MITCHELL, Ga. - It wasn't an ordinary birthday party by a long shot.
In fact, just about everything about it made it rather unique - especially when considering that Country Music Grand Ole Opry Star Joe Diffie and his band were there. And so were members of 17 South - a Thomson band that recently landed their first recording contract.
The host of the birthday party turned out to be one of those celebrating a birthday - Jeff Brooks, a retired developer from Duluth, Ga., who now owns B & B Farm in rural Warren County near the Glascock County city of Mitchell. The birthday party also honored his daughter, Logan, who celebrated her 10th birthday last Friday, as well as Mr. Brooks' niece, Catie, who celebrates a birthday on July 21.
"I hope and pray that everybody had as good a time as I did," said Mr. Brooks, whose good friend, Chris Mohr, a former NFL punter with the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills, helped arrange Mr. Diffie's special visit. "The people in Warren, Glascock and McDuffie counties are some of the nicest people that I've ever met in my life."
Calling it a token of appreciation for the friendships that he has made since settling in Warren County from the Metro-Atlanta area, Mr. Brooks invited people from all social economic backgrounds to celebrate with him and to enjoy an outdoors concert on the front lawn of his home.
"I thank God for what He's meant to me and done for me," added Mr. Brooks, who enjoyed a portion of his 42nd birthday on stage, singing along with Tony Cannon, the lead singer of 17 South.
Mr. Diffie and his band followed 17 South's performance.
