The Ground Breaking Ceremony marks new Era in Epes History

The 2^nd Annual Mayor of Epes Celebrity Weekend fundraiser was a double Slam-Dunk this year. The Town of Epes had the great backing of Title Sponsor U. S. Steel, along with other Sponsors such as NHS, Piggly Wiggly, State Farm, Sumter County Record Journal, Green/Sumter Enterprises, York Housing Authority, Act One Management Group, Southern Pride Catfish, and Mayor Carolyn Mitchell Gosa/ City of York.

The 2^nd Annual Mayor of Epes Spud Webb Celebrity Basketball Camp went off with out a hitch thanks to the partnering of Mr. Marcus Campbell. Mr. Campbell was contacted by Valerie Larche about partnering with the Mayor of Epes with his efforts of rising additional funding for the much needed new Community/Technical Center. Mr. Campbell pledged his support immediately and replied “it would be an honor, count me in no matter how small or large the role you need me to play”. Mr. Campbell did just that, upon their arrival at the Sumter County High Gymnasium on Sunday, both men came in doing what they both are known for aside from their athletic abilities on the basketball court, which is working with the children. The eager campers were all sitting on the floor listening to the speeches of both men. After the men spoke to the children about the importance of being good student to having good character showing that all that is what makes a great athletic. The ball playing begun, with the help of the irreplaceable volunteer University of West Alabama Student Coaches that assisted the two with the campers.

The campers were selected in groups by ages, each group were taken through skill most showing off their basketball skills. The camp was a total success. WTOK Anchorman Nick Adam asked Mr. Webb did he have ties with the Town of Epes, Mr. Webb relied “No I don’t have any ties with Alabama at all, Valerie Larche told me about the place and that the kids needed my help so I came”.  Mr. Webb concluded the interview by saying “it’s always about giving back and giving a push to the children”.  Giving back he did, for a second year in a row, Mr. Webb said that he felt more relaxed with the camp this year, and he contributed that to the assistance of that local hero Mr. Marcus Campbell, and his awesome way with the campers. The little big man shows that he has a heart of a Giant as well as the abilities.

After the Celebrity Basketball Camp, the event moved to the Town of Epes itself. The 2^nd Annual Epes Custom Car and Truck Show were on way. Before the Car Show started, the long awaited groundbreaking of the new Community took place. “This is a historic and proud moment,” said Mayor Walter C. Porter prior to the groundbreaking. “This is something that all of our community can be a part of and benefit from, especially our children.”

The groundbreaking was done by State and Local Public Officials, that list consisted Councilman Tommy Hyton, Councilwoman Susie Minus Tait, Town Clerk Mary Porter, Councilwoman Pat Minus, Councilwoman Charlie Jackson, Year of Alabama Sports Coordinator Marilyn Jones Stamps, ADECA Bea Forniss, Mayor Walter C. Porter Sr., Judge Tammy Montgomery, State Rep. A.J. Mc Campbell, Judge Eddie Hardaway, Site Inc Bob Corwin, and George Montgomery.

The Celebrity Weekend Bash was a success indeed, bringing the entire County together as one. The citizens of the Town of Epes all came out to welcome all who wanted to join them in their long awaited Celebration. Mayor Porter said with pride “this is the pride that I speak of in my Motto “Bringing home the Pride”, the Mayor went on to say that “the weekend was a total success, even if we didn’t make a dime”. Mayor Porter said “to see all the citizens come out and the children dancing together and enjoying the family friendly event it what it’s all about”. The Mayor took note that after the hundreds in attendance left there was hardly any paper left on the ground. The crowd was orderly and the event went off without incident. Everybody took pride in keeping the area clean, with the help of the entire Council, every citizen of Epes, to all Sponsors, Marcus Campbell and Spud Webb the Mayor gives thanks.