Credit: Visit Middle Georgia
WARNER ROBINS, Ga – The city of Warner Robins held its’ 40th Annual Independence Day Celebration last night. However, weather played a disappointing factor as rain and thunderstorms put performers and concert goers at a safety risk. In an effort to keep citizens safe, the city decided to cancel the concert and at one point, even had people evacuate McConnell-Talbert’s parking lot to their cars, to take cover from the lightning. Warner Robins Mayor, LaRhonda Patrick, and headline performer, Scott Stapp, gave a live joint announcement of the cancellation on the Warner Robins Independence Day Concert Facebook page.
Mayor Patrick stated, “As you all know, we had to evacuate because of the weather…..At this point we’re unable to complete the show due to safety concerns. As far as equipment and stage, the safety of all our guests is what’s most important.” Stapp, the former lead singer of the rock band Creed, commended the mayor on doing her part to keep citizens safe. “The mayor is doing her job, she is keeping you safe, and she’s a keeper. So vote for her again,” Stapp claimed.
Despite the cancellation, the city eventually reopened the venue gates once the storms passed. Event attendees were still able to partake in enjoying the food trucks and vendors, that had faithfully waited out the rain. Those who stuck around and even the late-comers, who stilled poured into the parking lot hoping for a fireworks show, were all pleasantly surprised. Warner Robins put on the fireworks show as originally scheduled at 9:45 pm. It was a grandiose, pyrotechnic display that lasted for over 10 minutes, and delighted crowds of all ages. The fantastic fireworks, the faithful food vendors and crowd, and the improvisational decision-making and unwavering determination of Mayor Patrick and city workers, all culminated to salvage the Independence Day Celebration. Despite the deterring storms, it was still a good event night in Warner Robins and a proper birthday celebration for our great country.
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