MOBILE PREPARES FOR 350 POUND MOONPIE DROP ON NEW YEAR'S EVE

 Countdown on to MoonPie Over Mobile                                                                                             

MOBILE, Ala., December 26, 2012 – Mobile knows how to throw a party and, this New Year’s Eve, its downtown is the place to be! Whether you prefer RC Cola or a glass of champagne, ring in 2013 with a free street festival headlined by The Commodores, a Mardi Gras-style parade, family activities, and a laser light show -- culminating in the drop of a giant MoonPie at midnight.

This year’s free MoonPie Over Mobile celebration will start with a Mardi Gras-style parade at 7:30 p.m., featuring floats, bands and a few surprises. Afterwards, three stages of live entertainment will draw thousands of people downtown, creating a giant street party that will last into the early hours of the New Year. The Commodores will perform on a main stage at the corner of St. Joseph and St. Francis Streets, while local and regional acts will perform on stages in Mobile’s Bienville Square and at Government and Royal Streets.  Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and the History Museum of Mobile will be on hand offering children’s activities. At midnight, eyes across the Central Time Zone will be on Mobile’s Mardi Gras icon – the MoonPie. The 12-foot-tall electronic MoonPie will descend from the 34-story RSA BankTrust Building as the city welcomes 2013.

“The combination of the great entertainment, the uniqueness of the MoonPie Drop and an anticipated large crowd have the makings of one amazing evening,” said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones.

“Just like the Commodores song, making New Year’s Eve plans is ‘Easy,’ just head to downtown Mobile for a fun celebration to remember. Last year more than 60,000 people attended MoonPie Over Mobile and we hope to make it even larger this year,” said Mobile City Councilman Fred Richardson. First started in 2008, MoonPie Over Mobile gives locals and tourists a chance to experience New Year’s Eve with a bit of Mardi Gras flavor.

“All eyes will be on Mobile this New Year’s Eve,” said Kent Blackinton, president of the Mobile Lodging Association. “Television viewers in 20 media markets throughout the Central Time Zone can watch MoonPie Over Mobile live on Raycom stations, but we would rather have you being part of the excitement.”

What’s New This Year?

Reach For The Moon – Resolution Wall

Dine on the world’s largest edible MoonPie from Chattanooga Bakery in the beautiful courtyard of the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel on Royal and Government streets in downtown Mobile as you toss your cares away by leaving your 2012 resolutions on the “Reach For The Moon” Resolution Wall. Make new resolutions on this giant board or on the one near the RSA BankTrust Building and start the New Year off right.

Three Stages with Diverse Acts

The Mardi Gras Park Stage at the cover of Government and Royal Streets will have live music from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. and feature Perfect Image Show & Band; Elmo & the Bluesmen; and Grayson Capps. The Bienville Square Stage will have entertainment from 5:00 to 9:00, ending with Hotwire. The Main Stage at St. Joseph and St. Francis Streets will have opening remarks at 8:45 p.m., The Wet Willie Band from 9:00 to 10:30 p.m. and The Commodores from 11:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Why a MoonPie?

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