May 14, 2011

physical beauty of the female form. I still remember Jill Evans' red and white stripped two-piece bathing suit. Can any of you remember the evening dance parties that were sometimes held at that pavillion? Were you blessed enough to have had an after church Sunday picnic there? I remember Alex's sons Henry and Jimmy worked hard in keeping the grass cut and the dressing rooms clean. I recall the dressing rooms always smelled like Pine-Sol. Henry and Jimmy's sister Brenda had multiple tasks at the town's oasis from the summer heat. I have nothing but fond memories of "Alex Lake." I wish it was open again. I have to pay a neighborhood association $700 dollars a year to take my kids swimming. It breaks down to it about $100 bucks a visit. When out here the kids like to swim at Jellystone Park in Waco. The memories of hot days by the pool laying on a towel and enjoying the view of the lovely local girls glistening with suntan lotion and jumping off the high dive. There were warm summer nights listening to that pavilian jukebox with the Rightous Brother singing "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and couples dancing and holding on to each other for dear life. Going into the 9th grade that summer and every time I saw Susan Myers back then my heart would begin to race. In those days we'd sometimes go down to McBride's Bridge and float on Western Auto inner tubes and floating on down with the lazy flow of the Tallapoosa River to the bridge that crosses U. S. 78. Yes dear readers who grew up here, those summer days were filled with fun swimming under a blazing sun and nights that had the sound of locusts and the smell of honey suckle. Does that memory make you long for a kinder and a gentle time. The Bridge-Bremen Family Festival is on May 21st and begins at 9 a.m.. A 5K run/walk, children's crafts, inflatables and at 2 p.m. the annual Bremen Idol contest. Judges for the contest include Harold Shedd who produced Glen Campbell, Mel Tillis, the Kentucky Headhunters and a string of number one songs for Alabama. Harold also signed Billy Ray Cyrus, Shania Twain, and Toby Keith to recording contracts as a high ranking executive with Mercury Records. Harold has also served on the boards of directors of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. Harold Shedd is one of the most respected producers in Nashville. Last year, Bremen Idol had some good acts. Hope you all will come and bring your family. It will be the third edition of the family festival that has music, food and fun.