Celebration connoisseur
Updated: August 2, 2012
DECATUR -- This weekend kicks off the 27th Annual Decatur Celebration, and one local is making sure it goes out with a hitch. The story began when Mike Carr stumbled upon Decatur's biggest party nearly 30-years ago.
"I went downtown and saw all the streets full of people and everybody having fun," said Carr.
Ever since, he hasn't missed a day. He's collected hats, t-shirts, autographed cd's and his own Celebration wallet. Carr sets it aside specifically for his favorite three days of the year.
"I'm kind of like a George Costanza, I have a big wallet. So when I go downtown for the celebration I try to simplify it and just put the things I need in here, cash, my ID, tickets those sorts of things," Carr said.
Over the years, he's helped make the Celebration logo, worked for security, and even turned the event into a friendly competition.
"One time my sister and I had a contest to see who could spend the most hours at the celebration. We ended up tied at 29-hours," Carr said.
It's something he's very dedicated to.
"For me it's a big reunion. There are people that I've known for years, that I see once year and it's at the celebration."
Carr has a lot of memorabilia and favorites.
"I think my favorite consistently is shrimp on a stick."
But for him, the best part isn't the food or concerts. It's seeing his family year after year.
"We've had people come from Florida and Colorado and Missouri and Wisconsin. Our whole family gets into it," Carr said.
"I would describe it as the three best days of your hometown."
"I went downtown and saw all the streets full of people and everybody having fun," said Carr.
Ever since, he hasn't missed a day. He's collected hats, t-shirts, autographed cd's and his own Celebration wallet. Carr sets it aside specifically for his favorite three days of the year.
"I'm kind of like a George Costanza, I have a big wallet. So when I go downtown for the celebration I try to simplify it and just put the things I need in here, cash, my ID, tickets those sorts of things," Carr said.
Over the years, he's helped make the Celebration logo, worked for security, and even turned the event into a friendly competition.
"One time my sister and I had a contest to see who could spend the most hours at the celebration. We ended up tied at 29-hours," Carr said.
It's something he's very dedicated to.
"For me it's a big reunion. There are people that I've known for years, that I see once year and it's at the celebration."
Carr has a lot of memorabilia and favorites.
"I think my favorite consistently is shrimp on a stick."
But for him, the best part isn't the food or concerts. It's seeing his family year after year.
"We've had people come from Florida and Colorado and Missouri and Wisconsin. Our whole family gets into it," Carr said.
"I would describe it as the three best days of your hometown."
