Sports lovers and especially those who like the history of sports will have an opportunity to attend a Tailgate Extravaganza featuring talented athletes from George County.
Several famed sportsmen and sportswomen will be on hand and memorabilia from their days on fields and courts will be displayed. The event is a fundraiser for the newly formed Lucedale-George County Historical Society whose mission to create a local history museum. The affair is set Nov. 9 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at First Church of Lucedale, 5101 Main St.
Keynote speaker for the evening is George County native Shane Hale, a motivational Christian speaker and former member of the Baltimore Orioles organization. Hale is a realtor living in Mobile who writes a Christian blog that is published through his Facebook Page, Shane Hale Writer, and through his website, the1sixproject.com. Brandon Davis, a George County High School coach, will present a summary of local athletes’ outstanding records throughout the years. The dinner will be tailgating style with pork, baked beans, potato salad and homemade cookies. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online at eventbrite.com or at the Chamber of Commerce.
Several coaches and former coaches from George County High School have registered to attend. Items belonging to local sports people that will be on display include the Mississippi State University jersey of Eric Moulds, a George County stand-out who went on to play many years in the National Football League with the Buffalo Bills. Also on display will be Logan Tanner’s jersey and ring from the 2021 College World Series in baseball. Professional baseball player Trevor McDonald, who plays in the San Francisco Giants minor leagues, is expected to attend and his jersey and baseball will be displayed. Star quarterback Scott Hunter of both University of Alabama and Green Bay Packer fame is expected to attend. Hunter lived in Lucedale during his youth. In addition to the Packers, he played for the Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions. Another local stand-out who was invited to exhibit memorabilia is Justin Steele, current pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. Harmon Brannan, who played for the Dallas Cowboys, was also invited. At press time it was unknown if Steele and Brannan will have exhibits. Any local sports hero with major accomplishments or their descendants can contact Lisa Hedegaard at 601-508-6136 to register their memorabilia.
In addition to the Tailgate Extravaganza, the historical society is selling notecards depicting George County scenes. A pack of 10 cards costs $20. The George County Board of Supervisors recently allocated $10,000 toward the society’s effort. The museum will initially be located on the first floor of the courthouse in the room that housed the Board of Supervisors when the courthouse was originally built. As the museum grows a larger space will be sought. The museum is slated to open in early 2024. While some artifacts will be mainstays, most exhibits will change periodically. The first two exhibits planned for display are on the topics of local veterans and the local medical community.
People who want to support the cause can join the historical society at the rates of $24 for individuals a year or $40 per couple. Business memberships are available at the $100 level. Bronze level memberships are $200 a year. Silver ones are $300 and gold ones are $500.
Meetings of the Lucedale-George County Historical Society take place the second Tuesday of every month at 4 p.m. at the corner of Beaver Dam and Park Street in the Lucedale Fine Arts Center, also known as the American Legion Hut.
