INFORMATION
Gadsden Reads 2011 to kick-off April 1, 2011 with Jimmy Buffett’s Tales from Margaritaville
2011 is the Year of Alabama Music which is reflected in this year’s Gadsden Reads pick, Tales from Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett. We’ll be kicking it off at First Friday on April 1 with a Parrothead Parade. Line up at City Hall at 5:30 and dance your way up Broad Street to the Hardin Center. The parade is open to all ages and we encourage everyone to come out and participate in this fun event.
Tales from Margaritaville is a collection of short stories (some purely fiction, some based in truth) and was inspired by Buffett’s CD titled Off to See the Lizard. Many of the stories are just continuations of the songs on the CD. A different song and story will be featured each week throughout the duration of Gadsden Reads. Using the format of the book we decided to do our own Gadsden Reads short story contest. Participants (18 and up) will be asked to write a short story using a Buffett song as their inspiration. The grand prize will be a two night, three day stay at the Margaritaville Resort in Pensacola.
Throughout the program there will be many events including a “Lost Shaker of Salt” scavenger hunt, Margarita Monday story discussions, a children’s pirate party and even a few surprises along the way! We’ll be asking local restaurants to participate in the Cheeseburger in Paradise contest and people will be able to vote for the best cheeseburger in Gadsden!
Gadsden Reads will run through the month of May and will culminate in a spectacular Margaritaville concert at Mort Glosser amphitheatre after we turn Broad Street into Beach Street for First Friday on June 3. Everyone is encouraged to dress up using a Buffett song as your inspiration. Winner of the short story contest as well as the Cheeseburger in Paradise contest will be announced during the concert.
Please check back soon for more information.