Questions

Are Music at McClellan events handicap accessible?
Where do I park?
Can I get help carrying my stuff from the car?
Are there public restrooms?
Can I buy food or drinks on site?
Are pets allowed?
What if the weather is bad?
Can I record the concert?
How early can I arrive?

Handicap Accessibility?  For 2008, Music at McClellan will return to Longleaf Park (AKA the Duck Pond Park). It is flat and accessible to all. Sidewalks and paved roadways (closed to vehicular traffic) allow for wheelchairs and walkers to find excellent vantage points from which to view the stage. Those with special needs should seek out an attendant for assistance. At least one fully accessible portable toilet will be provided and identified by signage.  Watch for signs to Handicap parking.

Parking?  Parking is easy to find and free. All you have to do is find McClellan’s main gate off Highway 21 in Anniston, Alabama. Five miles north of the Hwy 21 / Hwy 431 intersection and marked as “Baltzell Gate”, turn right and follow the signs. Attendants will direct you to the best parking and then direct you to the concert. All parking is within a short walk to the concert area.

Tote for Tips? Don't know how you will carry the cooler, chairs, tables, and yourself to the concert area. Look for members of the Jacksonville High School Band Boosters. For a small donation to the Band Boosters they will tote your stuff and you'll be able to enjoy the walk to the park.

Public Restrooms? Sorry, the only real restrooms are in the ticket office. The surrounding buildings are being renovated and the pipes are being replaced. So, for now, we’ll have to put up with portable toilets. They are being furnished by a local company who is committed to providing us with about a dozen “upscale potties”! This could be interesting. 

Vendors? This year we have new vendors serving a variety of foods including pizza, polish sausage, hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos, and Italian shaved ice from various vendors. Soft drinks will also be available for purchase. Souvenir vendors will be on hand selling concert merchandise.  Those interested in becoming a vendor should contact Kelley Haynes (256) 238-9357 or by e-mail at khaynes@gadsdenstate.edu

Being comfortable? Being comfortable while keeping things simple at an outdoor concert is an art! It is also very important as you’ll basically be in one place for several hours. It is kind of like camping. Bring as much as you can comfortably carry. Blankets, folding chairs, little tables, candles, binoculars, ice coolers are all good ideas.  See our page for suggestions on packing a picnic.

Pets?  Sorry, unless it is a seeing eye dog, no pets are to be allowed. Law enforcement will be mounted on horses and even the best dog may be enticed into barking during an otherwise beautiful violin solo!

Babies admitted? Babies under the age of three are admitted for free but please remember that crying or otherwise disruptive children should be separated from the performance immediately. Even the nicest baby can wear out its welcome unusually fast!

How long is the show? The concert park (also known as the Longleaf Park) will open for picnics and tailgate partying at 6:00 p.m. The concerts are scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. and end around 9:30 – 10:00 p.m. 

Inclement weather? Even though there is only a chance of rain on any given evening, pretty much better just expect and plan for it. As the musicians will be covered from the elements, the show will go on regardless. Depending on the day’s local forecast, umbrellas, ponchos, hats and maybe a towel or two should be standard equipment. If we all stay dry it will be even better.

Severe weather? The show will be canceled in the case of severe weather. If such weather presents itself after the show has begun, the adjacent Miller Gymnasium will be made available to all. The maximum occupancy of the gymn is approximately 400 people.

Refund policy? With the exception of severe weather or conditions that prevent the orchestra and guest artist from performing, the show will go on. 

Electronic equipment?  Just like other concerts or movies, please be courteous and turn your cellular telephone’s ringer to the off or vibrate position. Cellular telephone conversations are also discouraged. If you think that you'll have to talk to someone during the event, please bring them along instead of calling!

Photos?  Before the show, No Problem! Take all the pictures you want. During the show, please refrain from using any flash attachments. In fact, flash photography has been identified as being strictly prohibited during the performances. Thanks.

Getting a good seat? No problem. Every seat is a good seat. The stage will be elevated approximately six feet above the ground and this will allow for unobstructed views for all. The stage has been carefully placed and engineered to provide the best possible sound. Closest to the stage there will be a special "blanket only" area. Attendants will be on hand to direct you the best place to suite your style - right up close in the crowd or off in the peaceful distance. Every seat is a good seat. Really!

Picnic time? Be sure to come early for the two-hour picnic and party time before the show.  For many this early evening event is a highlight that is filled with fun, friends and food. Roaming entertainment could include clowns, mimes, magicians and/or animals. Don’t miss the picnic time. 

Trash?  Large receptacles will be placed around the concert grounds. Thanks for helping to keep things clean.

Safety and emergencies? Medical and law enforcement professionals will be on hand throughout the event. In addition, an emergency medical station and a law enforcement booth will be set up and clearly marked. The Anniston Police Department, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department, the Calhoun County Emergency Medical Service and even a Volunteer Mounted Posse (on horseback) will be available.

Fire ants and bugs? Don’t worry. The entire concert area will be treated for fire ants so you can feel pretty good about setting up your blanket or chairs anywhere. If a fire ant mound survives the treatment, it will be marked with an ant flag and hopefully avoided by all. Remember, since we are talking about May and June in Alabama, a few flying nuisances might still be a problem. Bring your favorite spray.

Other questions?  If you have any other questions please send them in by e-mail or call JSU's EPIC office at (256) 782-8010 or McClellan’s JPA at (256) 236-2011. Thanks!