The Early Years

We have become a little better over the years. We laugh at the memories of our first Shows when emcee Jerry Vestal would have to JUMP down from the stage, turn on the music, and JUMP or HOP back on stage for the next act. Now we have new portable steps to the stage and a professional soundman Jeremy Hackett operating our sound system.

Early Years		Today

The first shows were done under the dim lights of a few 100 watt bulbs in the stage ceiling. Now we have a great lighting system operated by remote control installed by volunteer Bernard Casebolt—plus , professional spotlights. The first shows were done with rotted stage curtains that were frequently non-functional. Now we have beautiful new Irish green stage curtains donated in loving memory of Gene (Bunt) Walsh.

The first shows’ Sponsors were hung on the wall, written on a single sheet of paper listing 5 or 6 names. We all LAUGHED as emcee Jerry Vestal challenged and told the crowds that we would some day FILL the WALL with Sponsors names –and it would be known as our "WALL OF FAME".

Jerry WAS WRONG.

WE NOW FILL TWO WALLS WITH SPONSORS NAMES SURROUNDED BY LIGHTS-AND HAVE TO PRINT THESE ON VERY WIDE ROLLS OF PAPER-AND STACK THESE THREE AND FOUR ROWS HIGH!!!!

The first shows would find us still calling around on show day recruiting acts, or grabbing folks as they came in the door to beg participation. We now have the program filled well in advance—as folks are such willing good sports to star for a night to raise dollars for Melrose.

We laugh at our memories of our first shows, but all agree we had just as much FUN then as we do now! And fun is what this Show is all about. A community having fun, working together, for a grand cause.