Fan celebration draws a crowd
[CHRIS ZUPPA | Times]
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A Rays celebration at St. Pete Beach's TradeWinds Island Resort attracted thousands of people late today.
In addition to music, food and family activities, the event featured a giant sand sculpture featuring the "We Are One" Rays logo. Meredith Corson, (right in photo above) co-owner of Sanding Ovations, said about 50 man hours went into the sculpture, which celebrated the Tampa Bay Rays season.
Although musician Robin Zander of Cheap Trick didn't make it because of a family matter, other scheduled entertainers such as Blue Oyster Cult lead singer Buck Dharma were there.
At 6 p.m., there was still hope that Rays player Jonny Gomes would make an appearance. Also, fireworks are scheduled to go off around 9 p.m.
Deb White and her husband Greg McDonald, both of Tierra Verde, cheer during the beach bash. [CHRIS ZUPPA | Times]
Framed by a rainbow that formed because of a light drizzle,Tyler McCann, 14, of Treasure Island, tosses the baseball at the beach bash. McCann grew up watching the Rays' many losses. Now he's enjoying the winning season. "It's awesome man," he said. "I love the Rays." [CHRIS ZUPPA | Times]
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It was great I was there at the time Igot afantastic picture of the amazing sandcastle
Posted by: ewan dunbar | November 18, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Robin Zander (Cheap Trick) was in fact present and performed among other songs "Surrender" with his beautiful 8 year old daughter. Also unspoken, the talented Ronnie Dee was tremendous on Sax and vocals.
Posted by: jim | October 18, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Fan since 98
I am with you as have been there since day 1 in 1998. I have been to hundreds of games over the years but this is what we need, we need these bandwagon fans to build our fan base. I hear what you are saying and I agree with you. Lets hope they dont jump off the bandwagon the first sign of trouble!!
Go Rays!!!
Posted by: Rays Fan | October 10, 2008 at 12:08 PM
I can't help but laugh when I see all of these people wearing Rays stuff. Bandwagon!!!
Posted by: Fan Since 98 | October 10, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Sox are at the Vinoy, as usual.
Posted by: stpete1 | October 10, 2008 at 02:01 AM
While the Redsox hang at their usual place the Don.
Posted by: JB | October 09, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
Posted by: Bruce Dickinson | October 09, 2008 at 08:51 PM
What I want to know is, did Buck play "Don't fear the reaper" with more cowbell?
Posted by: eric bloom | October 09, 2008 at 08:41 PM
I would assume that they are all relaxing snd trying to get into the zone for tomorrow rather then going to party on teh beach.
Posted by: Raysfan | October 09, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Lots of kids there. Would have been nice for a couple of Rays to show up.
Posted by: Harold | October 09, 2008 at 06:19 PM