The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-10-19
MUSIC, SPEECHES
 TO MARK OPENING
Commissioners On Pro- gram For Brief Dedi-
 catory Addresses
ERICKSON APPEALS
 TO CIVIC PRIDE
Festival Week Begins Monday With Noted Artists As
 Headliners

Before the sun sets Sunday, the ann bition and dream of Birmingham for decade will stand realized. The mu- nicipal auditorium, a massive, imposing super-feat of architecture, just com pleted at cost of nearly $700,OOO, will be thrown open.
 At 8 o'clock the first measures of a stirring fanfare of trumpets will mark the opening of ceremonies to formally dedicate the mighty structure as place of educatio entertainment and culture. where Birminghamians of every class and every social degree may be edifled, amused and entertained at prices lmpos- sible for concerts. operas and other amusements under private management,
 Everything is ready for the dedica. tion,' says O. Gordon Erickson, man. aging director.
 All details of decoration and hanging of scenery were finished Saturday. Seven thousand comfortable seats have been placed in position and all other fixtures are intact.
 Civic, pride is counted on to draw \ capacity audience for the dedication program Simple but impressibe exer. cises have been arranged by Mir. Brick son. There will be no admission charge.
 The program will be given in two parts, opening with musical offerings by the municipal orchestra, notabls festive chorus, and Miss Marion Stay- rowsky, popular soloist. The second part will embrace the dedicatory cere- monies.
 Commission President D. E. McLen- don will be master of ceremonies and will open the dedication program with j. brief address. On behalf of the Bir- mingham Association of Architects, Hugh Martin will formally present the building to the city commissioners, with Commissioner w. E. Dickson making ' the speech of acceptance.
 In turn, Dickson will deliver the gigantic edifice into the care and keep ing of Commissioner William l.. Harri- son, who is directly in charge of the public property. Harrison's short talk will outline the plans of the commission to provide clean. wholesome diversion for Birmingham people in the audi torium, and will be followed by speech by Mrs. Mary Echols, the only woman commissioner, provided she is able to attend.
 Black To Speak
 Hugo Black, prominent attorney, will then speak as the representative of the Birmingham public. After that, Mrs. J. R. Estes, regent of the Sumtef chapter, United Daughters of the Con federacy, will present the commission with huge state flag. The American Legion will present two American flags to be flown on the poles in front of the building. The dedicatory prayer will be offered by the Rev. J. A. Bryan.
 "The commission" asserts Manager Erickson. hopes that the biggest crowd in Birmingham history will turn out Sunday afternoon. Unquestionably, the people propose to indOrse the effort put forth to provide q dedication for the building that will be worthy of the great structure and the obstacles in the path of Its conception and birth as cultural center. Civic pride alone should make the opening day a great success"
 After the dedication ceremonies are over. an epochal festival week will set in, with three gala concerts by noted Metropolitan grand opera stars as the big features for Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Seat sale for these performances is now on at the box of- flee. Elaborate entertainment pro grams will be given Tuesday and Thurs day nights without charge to the pub lie.