(1888PressRelease)
October 04, 2007 - Memphis, TN - AutoZone Park in Memphis, Tennessee is usually the home of the Memphis Redbirds AAA Baseball Team, but on Saturday the field was overtaken by the Girl Scouts of America, who were there celebrating the 95th Anniversary of the organization.
The event was highlighted by 3 stages of activity and performers, ranging from dance groups to singers, theatrical performances to gymnastics demonstrations, and a even a special appearance by the United States Navy band Freedom! "There's a lot going on here today" exclaims Woody Degan, of Memphis Sound Entertainment, who was charged with the production and management of the three stages for the entire event. "Not only do we have these three stages running full time, but there are tables lined up on the warning track all the way around the field with interactive exhibits, activities, games, and presentations. Then there are other activities on the field ranging from soccer to frisbee, and gynastics to dance. And that's just on the field! The breezeway, plaza, and entrance are also packed! What a great event!"
The attendance was anticipated at somewhere between 1,000 and 1,200 Girl Scouts, but when the day was complete nearly 3,000 Girl Scouts had registered at the gates! "The turnout was remarkable" beamed Lori Brougher, Interim Fund Development and Communications Director for The Girl Scout Council of the Mid-South. "We are so pleased at the participation!"
The closing ceremony began with the traditional Girl Scout sing-a-long, followed by ABC 24's television personality Dee Griffin, herself a Girl Scout, who recognized the sponsors, speakers, and introduced the keynote address by Eleanor Gordon Kinzie, of Savannah, Georgia, whose grandfather was first cousin to Juliette Gordon Low, the Founder of the Girl Scouts of America. Kinzie, donning the thick wool military-brown jacket and skirt of the early Girl Scouts, addressed the audience of "sisters," sharing the history and stories of her famed relative and the institution she created in Savannah, Georgia in 1912. That institution has now swelled to over 4 million active members world-wide. But, as every Girl Scout knows: "Once a Girl Scout, Always a Girl Scout!"
