Lee Greenwood Takes The Stage in Arbyrd
ARBYRD – The population of this small town of 505 in rural Missouri swelled to about 1,000 people Saturday to celebrate the city’s Cotton Pickin’ Festival.
The star of the event and its main attraction was country artist Lee Greenwood. His signature song, 1984’s “God Bless The USA”, reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart after the 9/11 terror attacks.
The California native charted seven No. 1 hits during his singing career, including “Somebody’s Gonna Love You”, “Going, Going, Gone”, “Dixie Road”, “I Don’t Mind the Thorns (If You’re the Rose)”, “Don’t Underestimate My Love For You”, “Heart’s Aren’t Made to Break (They’re Made to Love)”, and “Mornin’ Ride”.
Saturday’s event had the community in mind, organizers said.
WBA Audio’s Mike Dickerson Saturday behind the sound console at Lee Greenwood’s show at Arbyrd. – SEMO Times photo by Steve Hankins
Proceeds from an earlier motorcycle poker run were donated to further breast cancer awareness. Profits from the day’s activities, which included a parade, dunking booth, games, live music and food were earmarked for the construction of “a nice, fun and safe city park,” organizers said.
Organizer and former Arbyrd Mayor Lonnie Gibson, Jr., told SEMO TIMES Saturday night the festival was fun for everyone involved.
WBA Audio’s Mike Dickerson said the show went “without a hitch,” and added “it’s beautiful” to work with professionals.
“It just makes everything better,” he said. “Everything is so much easier.
“If there is a problem, it’s everybody’s problem,” he continued. “It gets fixed quickly and we go on. This show has been a pleasure.”
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