Giant MoonPie to Fall New Year's Eve in Mobile to the Sounds of The Commodores

Nov 8th, 2012

The corner of St. Joseph and St. Francis Streets in downtown Mobile will be the hot spot for New Year's fun this year. Instead of celebrating in a "Brick House," Mobile will hit the streets in the premiere New Year's Eve celebration in the Central Time Zone. The Commodores will be the headlining act as Mobile rings in 2013, along with the MoonPie Drop, a laser show and fireworks from atop the RSA BankTrust Building and in Mobile Bay.

The free events will kick off with a Mardi Gras-style parade at 7:30 p.m. that will parade through downtown. Such local and regional acts as Wet Willie Band, Hotwire, Grayson Capps and others will be performing on stages in Mobile's historic Bienville Square and at Government and Royal streets on the Austal stage in Mardi Gras Park where two of the city's notable museums, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and History Museum of Mobile will be offering children's activities as the clock moves closer to the magical midnight hour At midnight, eyes in Mobile and 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 skyrise as the city welcomes 2013 and the beginning of Mardi Gras season. This is the 5th year the iconic MoonPie has debuted as part of Mobile's New Year's Eve Celebration. Whether you prefer RC Cola or a glass of champagne, ring in the New Year in downtown Mobile.

"We looked at several locations and wanted to bring the MoonPie Drop and stage location closer together to build more enthusiasm," said Mayor Sam Jones of Mobile. "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 Jones. "Austal USA, a new sponsor, and our other sponsors are making this possible and we are delighted that 20 media markets will be counting down the new year live from Mobile, Alabama."

In addition to the smaller stages featuring local acts throughout the evening, the main stage adjacent to Bienville Square, will allow for larger crowds, better protection from the weather and great views of the MoonPie and the fireworks shows.

This year's MoonPie Over Mobile celebration will start with a Mardi Gras-style parade featuring floats, bands and a few surprises. Afterwards, a street party of live entertainment will help draw thousands of people downtown. Crowds will be able to write their New Year's resolutions on two giant boards and start 2013 off right. Downtown Mobile will be one giant street party that will last into the early hours of the New Year.

"Mobile's New Year's Eve Celebration featuring the MoonPie Over Mobile has become a cultural phenomenon in the entire USA," said Mobile City Councilman Fred Richardson. "Just like the Commodores song, making New Year's Eve plans is 'Easy,' just head to downtown Mobile for a fun and safe celebration to remember. Last year we had more than 60,000 people attend MoonPie Over Mobile and we hope to make it even larger this year," said Richardson. "I look forward to this New Year's Eve being the best that has ever been in our city." 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. Richardson is credited for creating the MoonPie Over Mobile concept.

"All eyes will be on Mobile this New Year's Eve," said Kent Blackinton, general manager of Renaissance Riverview Plaza and president of the Mobile Hotel Association. "We have added more family friendly activities to make this great party even better this year. With lots of fun and affordable options, we are looking to fill the streets of Mobile and the hotel rooms in the city to welcome 2013 with a bang. Television viewers throughout the Central Time Zone can watch MoonPie Over Mobile live in a 35-minute telecast on Raycom stations, but we would rather have you being part of the excitement."