By By Penny Randall / staff writer
June 24, 2003
Former President George Bush will be among many high-profile officials who will honor former U.S. Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery at Meridian's July Fourth celebration.
But while Bush will make a taped statement broadcast on a large video screen, others from Mississippi including Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck, and House Speaker Tim Ford are expected to attend in person.
The celebration, on the shores of Bonita's upper lake, is set to start at 6:30 p.m. and will feature a concert by the orchestra. Also on tap are a fireworks display and a tribute to Montgomery.
New this year to the Fourth of July Cellular South Pops Concert will be the huge video screens, which will show Bush's video message as well as others who will honor Montgomery.
Before the concert, the big screen also will show videos depicting the proposed Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center and the Riley Education and Performing Arts Center.
The park will open to the public at 3 p.m. July Fourth. Food vendors will start selling items at 3:30 p.m. Stage activities will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the tribute to Montgomery.
The 8 p.m. concert will be preceded by a fly-over from pilots from the Meridian Naval Air Station. A fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
Besides Musgrove, Tuck and Ford, others expected to attend include GOP gubernatorial candidate Haley Barbour and Democratic lieutenant governor candidate and state Sen. Barbara Blackmon.
Also expected to attend are more than 30 local officials and state lawmakers, including state Rep. Eric Robinson, state Rep. Greg Snowden and state Sen. Videt Carmichael.