FAIRHOPE, Ala. — There is still time to get tickets for the Drawdown Dinner, sponsored by the Fairhope Veterans Memorial Committee.

Proceeds from this festive event, scheduled for Sept. 6 at the Fairhope Civic Center, will go “Tears of Sorrow — Tears of Joy” bronze memorial that honors every man and woman who has taken the Oath of Allegiance and put on a uniform in military service to America. The memorial, which will be sited on the bluff in Henry George Park in Fairhope, also honors the sacrifices made by the families of service personnel.

The BYOB evening will kick off at 6 p.m. with music by Fat Man Squeeze and a catered dinner of fried shrimp, pulled pork and all the trimmings. Mark Swalley with WABF will serve as emcee for the evening. He may even take a turn or two around the dance floor with his lovely dance partner and demonstrate some ballroom dancing. A second mystery musical guest will entertain after Fat Man Squeeze.

Each $100 ticket admits two people and includes the dinner, entertainment, door prizes, silent auction and a chance to pit their skills in a $5,000 drawdown contest. Only 300 tickets will be sold.

Dress is casual. Tickets are available for purchase at: Chick and Sea Foods, 1127 N. McKenzie St. in Foley; Fish River Grill, 11950 County Road 32; H&D Cycle Shop, 33019 U.S. 98 in Lillian; and in Fairhope: American Legion Post 199, 700 S. Mobile St.; Olde Tyme Feed & Garden Supply, 19580 Greeno Road; Page & Palette, 32 S. Section St.

Tickets are also available from committee members. For more ticket information, or to make a memorial donation, contact Joe Birindelli, co-chair at 928-3292.

The Fairhope Veterans Memorial Committee is a 501(c)3 organization.

ABOUT THE

MEMORIAL

Titled “Tears of Sorrow — Tears of Joy,” the memorial was conceptualized by Fairhope resident Sarah “Sissy” Scott and brought to artistic fruition by internationally known sculptor Stephen C. Spears, also of Fairhope.

The design features two bronze sculptures. The sculpture facing west, that of a woman cradling a folded flag, honors the sacrifice all soldiers who have died in service to our country as well as the sacrifice made by their families. The sculpture that will face the bay features a kneeling soldier handing a U.S. flag to a young boy, which symbolizes the patriotic example our soldiers live and their challenge to future generations to preserve and protect our nation.

Both sculptures are presented in a figure-eight pool on elevated disks of different heights. Water flows from the higher “Tears of Joy” presentation to the “Tears of Sorrow” sculpture and into the pool.

Donations to the memorial project are tax-deductible and may be sent to: Fairhope Veterans Memorial Committee, P.O. Box 653, Fairhope, AL 36533.