Saturday June 2,
2012
50 cents
Daily Corinthian Vol. 116, No. 133
Mostly sunny Today
Tonight
79
57
• Corinth, Mississippi • 16 pages • 1 section
Sold out!
Photos by Lisa Wilbanks
It was standing room only Thursday night on the Crossroads Arena floor for thousands of Luke Bryan fans who purchased “pit” tickets. Over 7,000 attended the country music concert, setting an arena record. Related photo, Page 2.
Bryan concert breaks attendance record BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
Crossroads Arena had its biggest show to date Thursday night with country music star Luke Bryan. An estimated crowd of 7,300 filled the venue, eclipsing all past attendance figures. “We were well pleased with the turnout,” said Bill Strickland, board of directors chairman for the arena. The artist, who rises to number five on Billboard’s country chart this week with “Drunk on You,” commented on the big crowd, he said. The arena used a parking plan involving off-site locations and buses to shuttle people to the arena with the help of emergency management, various law enforcement agencies and volunteers. “I cannot give them enough praise,” said Strickland. “They did an outstanding job with the weather playing a major factor.”
Volunteers also helped with staffing duties such as taking tickets and serving as ushers. Weather created some issues as a a storm system rolled into the area a couple of hours before show time. The arena doors opened later than anticipated, resulting in some people getting wet. “The promoter is the one who determines when the doors are opened to let the crowds in, and they don’t do that until all of the sound checks are complete,” said Strickland. “We had hoped that would be by 6. We regret that, but it was out of our control.” He said the arena hopes to work with the promoter on more shows in the future. Craig Campbell and Chancie Neal were the opening acts. The arena hosts the 15th Annual Leon Frazier Memorial Concert at 6 p.m. today.
Bill Strickland, board of directors chairman for the Crossroads Arena, presents a “Sold Out” trophy to country music star Luke Bryan (right) and concert promoter Jim Green of Green Machine Promotions.
Green Market returns today BY MARK BOEHLER editor@dailycorinthian.com
One of the Crossroads area’s more popular outdoor events returns to the grounds of the Crossroads Museum and Historic Depot in downtown Corinth today. The June edition of the Green Market returns to the C.A.R.E. Garden from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The weather forecast calls for mostly sunny skies today with a high temperature around 80 degrees, much cooler than recent previous recording setting high temperatures. McCoy Phillips from Tuscumbia Gardens will be at the market with fresh produce, a sign that fresh homegrown vegetables will begin to make an appearance at the venue. Keep Corinth Beautiful will also be on hand today to help kids handcraft items made with recycled materials. Karen Beth Martin, program director for the local tourism office, said vendors already signed up will be selling organPlease see MARKET | 2
Rebecca Spence
Women honored BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
Staff photo by Steve Beavers
Four-year-old Andrew LeGoff and other family members enjoy corn dogs at the Green Market held in April. The popular outdoor event at the Depot returns to downtown Corinth from 8 a.m. 2 p.m. today.
Index Stocks........7 Classified......14 Comics...... 13 Wisdom...... 12
Weather........5 Obituaries........ 3 Opinion........4 Sports...... 10
The Boys & Girls Club made it a woman’s night out. A group of women were honored for their efforts with the organization. Rebecca Spence and Corinne Pierce were the top recipients during the Phenomenal Woman of the Year Reception and Awards Dinner. “It was a great night for these phenomenal women and their family,” said unit director Please see WOMEN | 2
On this day in history 150 years ago Two divisions of the Union Army of the Tennessee march through Corinth during a heavy rain storm. They are in pursuit of Confederates on the Smith Bridge Road southwest of town. The Federal Army of the Mississippi marches through Booneville.