Mark farner gets Key to the City in Flint

Better than getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, says Grand Funk Railroad's Mark Farner
by Ebony Franklin The Flint Journal
FLINT, Michigan -- Flint's way better than Cleveland.After getting the key to the city from Flint Mayor Dayne Walling, rock legend Mark Farner said: "It's better than being in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. To think that the people of my hometown thinks that much of me means a lot."
The key also proclaimed Farner, the former lead guitarist for Grand Funk Railroad, is "Flint's Rock Patriot." During the brief ceremony Friday outside the newly-opened 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint, Farner stood side by side with Walling on what resembled a red carpet as fans gathered around."We're having him because of what his music helped define and his commitment to the city. We're trying to define the future so it's a great honor to look back and see what he's accomplished with his music," said Walling.Farner lifted the black box that held the gold key representing the city above his head and smiled as the audience cheered, snapped pictures, and clapped their hands. "He deserves it because he's been here all his life -- in heart anyway -- even though he's been traveling," said Ralph Newton, 53, of Mt. Morris. Newton attended Farner's meet and greet yesterday at PD's Pub and plans to attend his concert tomorrow.
"He gave us free VIP tickets when we met him at Blackstones on Wednesday," said Newton's wife, Mary, 48Farner and Walling stood side-by-side smiling and greeting fans as they signed autographs.
Farner will perform at Atwood Stadium at 7 p.m. Saturday.Walling plans to continue to support Farner by attending the concert with his family Friday August 14, 2009, 8:03 PM


see
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/08/better_than_getting_into_the_r.html

comments


Posted by civilityho on 08/14/09 at 11:53PM
Tell me one thing he's done for this city.
He gave you free tickets? They didn't cost him.
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Posted by turbotaxtim on 08/15/09 at 12:16AM
The VIP section provides armed security that are conservatives that believe in defending ones property and personal rights.
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Posted by k72 on 08/15/09 at 9:35AM
welcome back MARK,ican see one thing that seperates you from ELVIS PRESSLEY AND MICHAEL JACKSON,YOU ARE NOT A DRUG ADDICT,YOU HAVE A SECOND CHANCE TO WIN OVER THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE IN FLINT MICHIGAN,THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by citytourist on 08/15/09 at 12:58PM
Civility, why are you so hostile? On another note, Welcome back, Mark! And thanks for helping to make Back to the Bricks another great weekend for the city!
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Posted by Civilityboy on 08/15/09 at 6:02PM
Hey, CivilityHo...what have YOU done for the city lately? The original, the one and only Civilityboy is willing to bet you've done zippo. Your negativity denotes a suburbanite who just can't stand the idea of Flint folks having (safe) fun. Well, continue your "Ho" life and do us all a big favor: stay out of our town.
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Posted by speedybeede on 08/15/09 at 6:22PM
He's Our Captian