People expressed a lot of hopes for 2020, as they prepared to watch the giant MoonPie drop Tuesday night in Mobile. They ranged from highly political to highly personal, and you have to think some were a little more serious than others.
In between the main stage off Bienville Square, where ISING and Collective Soul entertained a high-spirited crowd, and the northeast corner of the RSA BankTrust Building, where the Port City’s giant electric MoonPie waited for its moment in the spotlight, a “Resolution Wall” provided a stack of stickers, letting people fill in the blank that came after “My hopes and dreams for 2020.”
A few of their answers:
- To retire!
- New President
- Money! Money! and more Money!
- Trump + Jesus!
- Love, Peace, Happiness for all man kind
- Nancy Pelosi
- 650 deadlift
- Warren 2020 (heart)
- Overcome fears and be the best people we can possibly be. Pray more.
- To click my heels and have Obama come back …
- Finally getting my cousin pregnant!
- More being … Less human
- A new kidney for someone I love
- Learn how to cook & not kill anyone
- Follow the path that God leads me
- OutKast new album (or Andre 3000)
- To Live, Love and Laugh
- To achieve goals from 2010
Tuesday night’s festivities began at about 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard of the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel, where Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Councilman Fred Richardson, the inventor of what’s now known as MoonPie Over Mobile, cut “the world’s largest edible MoonPie.” Even at that point, there were enough people on hand to guarantee that the giant slab disappeared as quickly as it could be carved up.
Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, left, and Councilman Fred Richardson cut the “world’s largest edible MoonPie” at New Year’s Eve festivities on Dec. 31, 2019. (Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com)
The weather conditions didn’t hurt. Even when it’s not rainy, as it was last year, New Year’s Eve often means foggy conditions on the Mobile riverfront. But 2020 arrived cool and clear.
“Here’s the news,” said Richardson, gesturing one by one at the Riverview Plaza and other downtown hotels. “Sold out, sold out, sold out. That’s what this is all about.”
Before a MoonPie can drop, it must rise. As the Jukebox Brass Band led the crowd up Royal Street to the main stage at about 9 p.m., participants were treated to the sight of one smoothly ascending the side of the RSA BankTrust Building.
At the main stage, Stimpson thanked the crowd for turning out. “We’re all here for the same reason and that’s to kiss 2019 goodbye,” he said to cheers, “and welcome in 2020.”
Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com
The Jukebox Brass Band takes the main stage near Bienville Square on Dec. 31, 2019, as Mobile prepares to ring in 2020. (Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com)
Richardson assured onlookers that they were in “the most exciting city in America at this moment.”
Collective Soul seemed determined to make it feel that way, opening with a bristling rendition of their song “Heavy.” Lead singer E. Roland made sure to give credit to one of Mobile’s most famous native sons.
“It’s an honor to be here,” he said. “It’s also an honor to be at the birthplace of hammerin’ Hank Aaron. My hero growing up as a kid. I had to throw that in there. We’re big baseball fans. Football has let us down a little bit in Atlanta this season.”
“Where’s that MoonPie?” he asked, before the band continued its set. “Is it over there? Is it straight that way? Oh, there — I got it! Thank you! Boys, I see it!”
Less than an hour later, all eyes were on the giant symbol of Mobile’s Mardi Gras traditions as it dropped back down the side of the tower, to cheers and a thunderous fireworks display. Whatever else it may bring, 2020 arrived in style.