The Grand Opening
September 3rd, 1999 was the Grand Opening of Lubbock's "Buddy Holly Center" in the Depot District.The ribbon cutting ceremony drew approx. 600 people at 5pm,
known to be when Lubbock temperatures are highest, and they were! 90+ degrees made the hour
long ceremony a bit much to stand...but at least everyone got a tan!
MC for the event was Buddy historian Bill Griggs.
While the main attraction of the gala was the Buddy Holly Museum,
the center also features the Texas Musicians Hall of Fame, currently offering an exhibit on The Crickets,
and an art gallery, featuring Retrospection 15, an exhibit highlighting 15 years of arts projects by the Fine Arts Center.
Travis Holley, The Crickets, and other luminaries are seated at the front.
Lubbock's marching bands came from both sides of the ceremony to perform classic rock'n'roll hits, including some "Buddy tunes".
Mayor Windy Sitton makes her grand opening speech
Paul King (England) & Denny Farland (Iowa) present the first musical scholarship
to a local Lubbock music student, result of the funds brought in by their "Winter Dance Party 1999".
The Crickets & Mayor Windy Sitton prepare to cut the ribbon...
It's official! The Lubbock Buddy Holly Center is open, long overdue...but finally open!
As fans flock inside to get the first glimpse at the Center, Stan Perkins (son of Carl)
performs acoustically in the Center Courtyard.
Joe B Mauldin & J.I. Allison pose beside their restored "Cricketmobile", a '55 Pontiac!