Prince George's Classic Brings Excitement, Attention to County
By Raoul Dennis
Mike Little
It was the kind of walk in the sun that few get to truly enjoy.
On a Saturday afternoon in shimmering sunlight and 70 degree weather, Mike Little had his day. Walking along the sidelines as the Bowie State Bulldogs helped the Lincoln Lions become reconnected to the meaning of smash-mouth football (final score favored Bowie, 28-2), Little’s smile beamed broadly. His vision for the county, the Prince George’s Classic, moved through four days of activities and events without a hitch.
From the opening reception October 2 at Westin National Harbor, optimism for the success for the concept now in its fifth year was high. In addition to the swank décor and waterfront view of the venue, there was the sense that the Classic was, indeed, finally on its way to becoming an anchor institution and cultural event in Prince George’s County.
Dr. Ian Smith
Evidenced in attendance of some 6,000 at the Battle of the Bands, dozens of schools at the College Fair, 4,000 at the game, and standing room only at the Step Show, the Classic has grown legs and voice of its own. It has been around long enough to become an annual calendar target for local and regional cultural leaders. Radio personalities, style trendsetters, music icons and Dr. Ian Smith were among this year’s lineup. The impact of the Classic now reaches a bit deeper. High school seniors of 2004, for example, and their families who volunteered and participated then, now spread the word beyond our borders via their college campuses in 2008.
All of this comes on the hopes of a weak start and solid sponsors who stayed on board. At the first year’s effort, the Classic was more suited for ducks than people as tropical storms nearly drowned out visitors at FedEx Field in 2004. State Farm and other sponsors didn’t quiver at the challenges and stayed in line.
Leader of the band
Little chalks it up to the old fashioned character traits: hard work, planning, good fortune and more hard work.
“We hope that the community continues supporting things like this,” Little says. “It helps in the continuing effort to strengthen economic development in the county. It creates opportunity for local business and builds new institutions within our borders.”
Another fringe benefit includes illuminating home pride and positive social opportunities for young Prince Georgians.
“It creates a positive social and cultural experience fort our young people,” Little says. “And that helps us to become a better example for them to follow.”
But in addition to all this, a little sun can make a thing go right.
DJ Biz Markie
“Praise the Lord for good weather,” Little says.
Click here to view the Classic's photo gallery.
See full story and photos in the Fiesta 2008 edition. Click here now to get it.
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