Monday's Internet Edition, October 06, 2008.
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| A STAGECOACH run by Levi Truett Auldridge brought the guests of honors for the opening ceremonies Saturday, the past and present mayors of Copperas Cove, and then gave rides around downtown. – Photo by ADRIENNE DALE |
News editor -
Citizens gathered together downtown to celebrate the birthday of Copperas Cove on Saturday.
Copperas Cove is a grand lady,” Annabelle Smith, Birthday Celebration Committee chairman said, “and we couldn’t let her 125th birthday go unnoticed.”
The birthday celebration started with a stagecoach ride containing Mayor Bradi Diaz and Past Mayors, Rodney Nauert, Jim Schmitz, Ed Rhody, and George Leonhard.
4th ID soldiers returning from Iraq were there to post the colors, which included the American flag, Texas flag, and the Copperas Cove flag.
The celebration then kicked off with an opening ceremony that featured “Cowboy Tales” by Malcolm Dickinson. A short ‘speech within a speech” was featured by Copperas Cove High School principal Dr. George Willey.
The smell of barbecue filled the air as the Rotary Club Barbecue Cook-off was underway while kids were able to enjoy free stagecoach and buggy rides as well as different rides including one the would twist them upside down.
There was even an Ice Cream Contest where people tasted the samples and eventually would choose the winner.
Those seeking to learn about the history of Copperas Cove were able to see a presentation by James Powell.
Powell spoke on the different events that happened in Cove during its formative years.
The Copperas Cove Drama Group would then follow the presentation with a humorus skit on past events including an Old World prediction from “Norstradamus”.
In addition to the historical plays, visitors could also visit the Copperas Cove’s historic Allin House. There they were able to have a tour of the house sponsored by the Copperas Cove Parks and Recreation Department.
Other entertainment during the festival was a performance from the J.L. Williams second and third grade choir.
The Tribal American Network group was also there to perform a musical performance as well as tribal dancing. The group played different instruments handmade out of wood. The instruments would make their sounds through different vibrations that were sometimes cut off when the wind would blow past the space at the top of the instrument.
The Messenger Quartet was also there to play gospel music as well as the Copperas Cove High School Choir and the Halstead Stepping Team. The Texas Stars gymnastics group was also there to do a cheer performance as well as a talent showcase that featured kids as young as four.
People were able to purchase food and souvenirs from local vendors in the area as well as receive seeds from the Downtown Association in part of the Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful project.
Domino players were able to participate in a match under the Screens and Covers patio. Winners of the match were Irvin Deorsam, Victor Kremplin, Bennett Maples and Judge John A. Hull.
“While these fellas take their playing seriously, they welcome those wanting to learn the game,” Smith said.
DJ Jerry featured a wide range of music while birthday cake and Blue Bell ice cream was served.
The night rounded off with a free performance by country star Pete Benz. The performance also included a street dance. Citizens were encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or were able to get out and dance to the music.
Benz is well known on the Texas music scene and has been the opening act for headliners such as Travis Tritt, Ricky Trevino, and Joe Diffie.