By By Adrienne McKenzie
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians put on a show that lit the sky Wednesday night for the Fourth of July.
According to PCI community relations director, Sharon Delmar, the fireworks show turned out to be a hit that the community enjoyed.
"Everything came together for an evening of great entertainment that ended with a fireworks show that lit up the sky for almost 30 minutes," Delmar said. "We have the ability to shoot some of the largest fireworks around so it makes for an incredible show and one of the largest in the area."
Delmar said the rain on Wednesday affected the crowd as the event began, but as the rain began to die, the crowd rolled in.
"At the beginning of the evening we did not have as large of a turnout as usual because of the rain," Delmar said. "As the rain slowly began to decrease and eventually stop, the crowd continually grew in size. At 9 p.m. when it was time to shoot the fireworks the crowd had surpassed the amount of people we had the year before."
PCI Tribal Chairman Buford L. Rolin said he felt the fireworks show and entertainment had a good turnout this year.
"The annual Fourth of July Celebration was a huge success," Rolin said. "We had a great turnout despite the rain at the beginning of the event. The skies cleared and the people kept coming throughout the evening to enjoy the festivities. We concluded with a fantastic fireworks display."
Atmore VFW Post 7016 conducted a military salute that recognized all branches of the armed forces, according to Delmar.
There were many entertainers both before and during the fireworks show, Delmar said.
"There were local entertainers that performed before and during the event," Delmar said. "They included the VFW's Freedom Band, Katie Boudreaux, Kim McGhee, Lana Langford, Carley Hetrick, Sandy Shuttlesworth, Brandon Johnson, Jacob Byrd, Cecil Corey and Medicine Tail. Rev. Ray Ward from Friendliness Holiness Church gave the opening prayer and John Sweeting, ROTC Commander at ECHS, was the guest speaker."
There were also Tribal traditions that were carried out prior to the fireworks. The Princesses were announced to the multitude of individuals who gathered to see the show.
"The Princesses were announced to the crowd by our Tribal Chairman, Buford L. Rolin, during his welcome speech," Delmar said. "They are Poarch Band of Creek Indians Sr. Princess Heather White Jr. Princess Taylor Wiggins, Elementary Princess Hannah Gibson, Miss Indian Alabama Megan Rolin and Miss Indian World Megan Young. It was such an honor for the Tribe to have all of our Tribal Royalty with us this year."
Another Native American tradition was honored prior to the fireworks show, according to Delmar.
"The drum group Medicine Tail performed 'Flag Song' which is the Native Americans equivalent to the 'National Anthem'," Delmar said. "Medicine Tail also performed 'Veteran's Song' which started the Military Salute, this was to honor all veterans past and present. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians flag is always presented by a Tribal Member Veteran during the Military Salute."