This Week Salute to America
Jefferson City’s annual Salute to America kicks off with a new concert event at the decommissioned Missouri State Penitentiary on Saturday, July 2nd. Click here for a link to Salute to America’s website.
Mayor Carrie Tergin joined us as our guest for ABC 17 News “This Week.”
The conversation started with Mayor Tergin being asked why Salute to America is important to Jefferson City.
Here is a transcript of the conversation:
Mayor Carrie Tergin: This is a wonderful event because we like to celebrate our nation’s independence…and what better place than in the Capital City, in the City of Jefferson, with the Capitol as the backdrop? It’s just a wonderful setting and we always shoot fireworks over the river with the Capitol and people love it. It’s grown. Every year we have thousands of people and it grows and grows and this year, it’s growing even more.
Joey Parker: What are the most exciting things for you this year?
Mayor Carrie Tergin: Well this year we have something new! We are bringing a concert to the prison. We have Travis Tritt coming, which is very exciting. So, (it’s) the first time ever we’re bringing something new to the MSP, the old Missouri State Penitentiary, the historic State Pen.
Joey Parker: That could be a big tourism boost, huh?
Mayor Carrie Tergin: It is. It already is. People tour the prison all the time. We had almost 26,000 visitors last year to the prison.
Joey Parker: But, I mean the concert could help bring people to the prison to see it for the people who’ve never even seen it, right?
Mayor Carrie Tergin: Yes. It is. And that’s what we’re hoping. This is the first time we’re having an event like this, like a concert and it’s gonna be in the upper yard at the prison. So, imagine walking into the prison and you’re surrounded by all three of the of the historic buildings on all three sides of you. And right in front of you is the stage. And on that stage is Travis Tritt. Where else but at Salute to America can you be in prison with Travis Tritt?
Yes. We’re all going to prison. It’s Saturday night July 2nd. We are really excited about that. You can buy tickets. They are only ($35.00) at salutetoamerica.org. It’s a great opportunity to get inside and do something with our Missouri State Pen. I know people have been saying when are we going to do something with that site and we wanted to make it fun. As we have grown the July 4th event we thought this was a great opportunity. What can we do with the prison? That upper yard is set up perfect for a concert.
Joey Parker: There are a lot of free events for families and people to enjoy, right?
Mayor Carrie Tergin: Yes there are. So the rest of the weekend on Sunday July 3rd we have all kinds of fun things. We have the carnival from 4-11 that night. We also have the salute to America parade from 6-7 on Sunday night. That is always a big hit. This year we are celebrating Lincoln universities 150th year.
Joey Parker: I’m one of the emcee’s of the parade, so I’ll be looking forward to that.
Mayor Carrie Tergin: I’ll be in the parade, so I’ll look for you. That will be great.
Joey Parker: When we were in the parade I saw you in the stands once.
Mayor Carrie Tergin: I’m looking forward to that, I’ll look for you there. It’s a great event people love the parade. That evening at the Capitol we have the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. That is on Sunday night. They will be performing from 8:30-10. That’s at the Capitol. Then on Monday, July 4 th , at 9am with the Red, Bike and Blue (Bike Ride). Things going on all day, entertainment, a carnival from 10am-10pm. That night at the Capitol we have entertainment by Groove Thing. They will be performing. At dusk we have the famous Red, White and Boom Sky Concert, which also aligns with music on the radio, so you can watch the fireworks and hear the music at the same time. It’s a great event.
Joey Parker: It is quite a show. It is one of the best firework shows, I think, in the state.
Mayor Carrie Tergin: It is. We invite everyone to come it’s a wonderful event. We are just really excited to bring something new to Jefferson City and have an event at the prison. People have asked us to do an event at the prison and this is so neat. Travis Tritt kind of fits that country outlaw feel so you know he has some hits that are going to be just perfect. We are going to have beverages there as well. We have never had beer and alcohol and wine served at the prison before. Adult beverages. It will kind of fit in with the concert.
Joey Parker: It’s not prison hooch, it’s actually good stuff.
Mayor Carrie Tergin: It’s good stuff. I’ll quote Travis Tritt, “Because the whiskey ain’t working anymore.” Direct quote from Travis…from one of his songs. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t tell you, “here’s a quarter call someone who cares.”
Joey Parker: There you go. That’s the classic.
Mayor Carrie Tergin: (Singing) “Because we are going to have a little trouble at the prison.”
Joey Parker: Right. So speaking of trouble, parking can sometimes be a bit of trouble. So what are the tips you have for the folks coming to Salute to America and parking.
Mayor Carrie Tergin: Yes. They can find all the information at salutetoamerica.org. We have a map up right now that shows all the parking areas. Whether you are coming to the concert on July 2nd, or if you are going July 3 or 4 to the downtown festivities. There is a map online, you can check everything out there. There is a shuttle. All that information is online.
Joey Parker: I’ll also build a link on our website to yours.
Mayor Carrie Tergin: Yes, ABC 17 is sponsoring, as well. We appreciate all your support for everything that happens in mid Missouri, especially this event Jefferson City.
Joey Parker: It’s a great event. Mayor Tergin, thank you so much for joining us.
Mayor Carrie Tergin: As Travis Tritt would say, (singing) “It’s a great day to be alive.” That’s a great song too. (Singing) “I know the sun’s still shining when I close my eyes.” So you know get ready and get with it and come see Travis Tritt in Jefferson City. How exciting is that?
Joey Parker: Thank you.
