The village was out today to celebrate A.C.

Seems like the whole village was out today to celebrate A.C. and his Icees for their 30 year anniversary. Old, young, politicians, friends -- everyone showed up it seems. And the event was one of the old town, home town Grove events that make it so special here. This is "Nails" with A.C., she was in a famous photo with A.C. a few years back in The Herald.

There was plenty of free icees to go around, lots of music, a cake and speeches.

Marc Buoniconti said it best during his speech -- "A.C. is living the dream life." He sits there in his lawn chair every day, kibitzing with the beautiful people in the park as the rest of us sit in traffic going to and from work. There we are in shirts and ties, and there is A.C. sprawled out on the grass.

So many people had such great things to say -- about his dedication, loyalty, honesty. Someone suggested he run for office, but others said he was too loyal and honest for that.

One time there was an announcement at a Ransom football game -- there was a celebrity in the stands. "Who could it be? The president? A Miami Dolphin? A movie star?" No -- it was announced that A.C. was in the house and the crowd went wild -- I don't think Madonna would have received that reception.

A.C. has received many offers to have himself and his truck in movies, parties, sporting events, etc., but he turned down all the offers so that he could be at his spot in the park, at his designated times, day after day, so as not to let down his customers, who expect him to be there rain or shine. You can set your clock by A.C. -- for 30 years -- without fail. Not many people around like that anymore.

I think A.C. is a link to people's past and they enjoy the home town feel. We enjoy the same tastes and aromas that we have experienced since we were all kids, in the same exact setting. Lots of things have changed in the Grove over 30 years but you can always count on seeing A.C.s truck, you can count on his icees and you can count on Kennedy Park being there day after day. It's really a link to the past and hopefully a link to the future for many years to come.

When you visit A.C., get an icee or hot dog and look into the park, you are basically seeing what we all saw 30 years ago and for all these years since. Aside from A.C.'s long curly hair being white now, nothing has changed. A.C., his truck, his location and his icees have a comforting effect for everyone. It's like going back to a happy place
in time.

On Thursday, A.C. will be receiving a proclamation from the city at City Hall. But I don't think anything can beat the love for A.C. that was shown out there in the park today.