Mississippi Drug Card Media Center

Aberdeen Hosting Free Downtown Concert Saturday

(Aberdeen, MS) – As part of the July events for Aberdeen's 175th birthday celebration, the town will welcome a movie keeping true to its origins and host a free concert downtown.

The Elkin Theatre will screen the Disney-Pixar animated film "Brave" Friday and Saturday night about a Scottish princess who defies custom while etching out her own path, which brings chaos on her kingdom. Following the fiasco, she must depend on her bravery and archery skills to undo the curse.

"With the movie's music and folklore, it ties in with our heritage. It's coincidental but perfect the Elkin is showing it the same weekend as our concert," said Tina Robbins, director of the Aberdeen Visitor Bureau.

Saturday's festivities include a downtown sidewalk sale during regular business hours; lunch available from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at LeRoux and Penny Lane's Java Cafe; vendors; and live music in the parking lot behind the Elkin Theatre.

"It's going to be a little something for everybody. Whether you're a music fan or not, you still have a chance to support local businesses with the sidewalk sale while enjoying Mississippi's sales tax holiday," said Carla Arevalo, 175th anniversary committee member.

Available vendors include Southern Chicks T-Shirts, jerseys and caps, sunglasses, mesh wreaths by Meg Evans, home decor by Christi Dubois, wood and metal art, Mississippi Drug Card and Community Hospice information booths, funnel cakes, snow cones, full service food truck, barbecue.

Aberdeen 175th anniversary T-shirts will also be available.

The music line-up includes the Juke Joint Gypsies from 1 until 2:30 p.m.; the Mark Chandler Band from 3 until 4:30 p.m.; Elizabeth Brahan and the Tennessee Line from 5 until 6:30 p.m.; and Arcadia from 7 until 9 p.m. Ambrose Gardner will begin the ceremonies by singing the National Anthem at 1 p.m. followed by a few words from Mayor Cecil Belle and a prayer by the Rev. Benny Coleman.