The Gates of the City served as the backdrop for a tribute to John Philip Sousa, the great American conductor and composer who authored hundreds of military and patriotic marches, including Stars and Stripes Forever, the National March of the United States. The event, sponsored by the City of Fall River, CD-Rec, the Gates of the City Foundation, and the Yomega Corporation, featured performances by five great Fall River bands: the Durfee High School Band directed by Matthew MacMullen, Our Lady of Light Band directed by Manuel Canito, the Mosteirense Band directed by José Soares, Saint Anthony’s Band directed by João Silva, and the Saint Cecilia Band directed by Peter Camara. Throughout the afternoon, bands played selections from their repertoire, including each band’s interpretation of the famous march Stars and Stripes Forever. Through the generosity of Fall River based Yomega Corp, Brett "Outch" Outchcunis, held a world class yo-yo demonstration and workshop for area children who were instructed in the art of yo-yo play and taught how to perform beginner and intermediate tricks. In addition, an assortment of children’s activities, including arts and crafts stations, a magician, face painting, and a caricaturist, were offered. "Our waterfront is full of potential and we must continue to bring that potential to life," stated Mayor Correia. The Gates monument is part of the City's Waterfront Access Plan. For more information, contact Inês Leite at 508-324-2600.
 

(Top row) Members of St. Anthony's Band listen as Mayor Correia presents awards to each of the bands, including Elizabeth Yokell, Visual & Performing Arts Department Chairperson at B.M.C. Durfee High School, as members of the Our Lady of Light Band watch. (Middle row, left) Maria and Joseph Oliveira applaud the bands as they parade into the plaza. (Bottom row, right) Mayor Correia receives a plaque with the symbols of each of the performing bands. (Bottom row, left) Children try their yoyos given out by Alan Amaral, CEO of the Yomega Corporation, under the instruction of Brett Outchcunis. (Bottom row, center) Mr. Amaral helps five-year-old Kevin Peixoto with his yoyo. (Bottom row, right) Six-year-old Andrew Oliveira and William Couturier try to get their strings untangled.