Mobile Prepares For 350 Pound MoonPie Drop; The Commodores To Entertain

MOBILE, Ala., Dec. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile knows how to throw a party and, this New Year's Eve, its downtown is the place to be! Whether you prefer RC Cola or a glass of champagne, ring in 2013 with a free street festival headlined by The Commodores, a Mardi Gras-style parade, family activities, and a laser light show -- culminating in the drop of a giant MoonPie at midnight.

This year's free MoonPie Over Mobile celebration will start with a Mardi Gras-style parade at 7:30 p.m., featuring floats, bands and a few surprises. Afterwards, three stages of live entertainment will draw thousands of people downtown, creating a giant street party that will last into the early hours of the New Year. The Commodores will perform on a main stage at the corner of St. Joseph and St. Francis Streets, while local and regional acts will perform on stages in Mobile's Bienville Square and at Government and Royal Streets.  Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and the History Museum of Mobile will be on hand offering children's activities. At midnight, eyes across the Central Time Zone will be on Mobile's Mardi Gras icon – the MoonPie. The 12-foot-tall electronic MoonPie will descend from the 34-story RSA BankTrust Building as the city welcomes 2013.

"The combination of the great entertainment, the uniqueness of the MoonPie Drop and an anticipated large crowd have the makings of one amazing evening," said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones.

"Just like the Commodores song, making New Year's Eve plans is 'Easy,' just head to downtown Mobile for a fun celebration to remember. Last year more than 60,000 people attended MoonPie Over Mobile and we hope to make it even larger this year," said Mobile City Councilman Fred Richardson. First started in 2008, MoonPie Over Mobile gives locals and tourists a chance to experience New Year's Eve with a bit of Mardi Gras flavor.

"All eyes will be on Mobile this New Year's Eve," said Kent Blackinton, president of the Mobile Lodging Association. "Television viewers in 20 media markets throughout the Central Time Zone can watch MoonPie Over Mobile live on Raycom stations, but we would rather have you being part of the excitement."

For details on MoonPie Over Mobile, visit www.mobilenewyear.com

Media Contacts:
Barbara Drummond, Communications Director
City of Mobile
251/208-7807
[email protected]

SOURCE Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau