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Dan was a member of the winning 2007 Clinton delegation and made a surprise appearance courtesy of his maker and AAC presentation director Susan Bristow.
Shaking hands with young Michael Boykin, Dan slicked back his puppet hair and reminded the group, all decked out in their tropical lime green Flags of Success t-shirts, that it was all about telling their story from their hearts.
And that's what they showed during their practice — the heart of a community whose members work, presenters said, hand-in-hand, side-by-side to get things done and make Clinton a better place for everyone.
It is why the city is vying for yet another AAC title, said city manager John Connet. "This is about promoting all the things we, as a city do. It's not about government, it's about the people."
In a pep talk to the group early Thursday morning, Connet reminded them of the changes that have come about because of the All-America process over the last five or six years.
"If you remember, the first time we came, there were a lot more officials and community leaders. Today, because of the All-America City process and what its taught us, there are more regular folks involved, people like you who have taken leadership to new levels," Connet said.
"This is your story. It's about how you've worked to help make Clinton better. No one can tell it better than you," added Bristow as she applauded the group for their efforts.
To a person, everyone agreed that taking part in the bid for a second All-America City title was the right thing to do, particularly since they listened as other cities, being introduced during Wednesday's orientation ceremony, names were called out as second, third, fourth and even fifth time winners.
"This is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our city, and hopefully come back with an award to recognize all the work that has been done," said Ann Thornton, a presenter for both the Dancing with the Clinton Stars and the Downtown projects.
"Clinton has such good people who truly want to work to make things better ... what we're trying to do is share that story with everyone else."
And that is what the National Civic League attempts to do with its 60-year-old awards event, allow folks from cities across the United States a chance to share their successes with others and, for at least 10 each year, be rewarded for those success.
"All of you in this room have faced great challenges in your cities and you've succeeded in meeting those challenges and turning them into positives," said Sandra Freedman, the chairwoman of the National Civic League board of directors in welcoming the 29 cities to Tamp Wednesday.
"You are all winners already, no matter what the outcome of Friday night's awards ceremony."
AAC jury forewoman Sharon Metz continued that theme, praising each city's representatives, saying those gathered in the Marriott ballroom "were the best of America."
"No one can stop this country from being its very best with the power that's in this room today," Metz said.
As a former member of an AAC presentation committee several years ago, Metz said she could speak from the heart about the significance of the award and the special bond formed during the three-day event leading up to the award.
"I can promise you, you will never forget this event; it will change your life forever," said.
Metz emphasized the realization that not everyone understands the AAC process or believes in it, but strongly urged those gathered to see beyond those negatives.
"There are naysayers in every community. But never forget, regardless the naysayers, the difference you make, the things you have planned, the struggles you have overcome, make you a better community. And the AAC award recognizes all of that and so much more."
Metz also noted the unique thing about the AAC award, saying no matter the size of the city, or the amount of money, or lack thereof, that a city has, everyone is eligible for the title and can when it.
"This is about the people and what those people, coming together for the good of all, can do. It's about the human spirit ... and there's a lot of it here tonight."
Clinton's Jeff Shipp, with Star Communications, said there was no question Clinton's group was full of that human spirit.
"You can witness in the smiles on their faces, in the way they cheer one another own, in the way they are all willing to help. This group has bonded in a very unique way and it will make us a stronger, better city because of it.
"That's what the human spirit can do. We see it every day in Clinton in the things people do for one another. It's what make us special ... it's what makes us an All-America City," Shipp said.
See if Clinton wins the AAC title Friday night on our website at www.clintonnc.com, blog with editor Sherry Matthews or send blogs of support to the AAC group by visiting our website and clicking on the Flags of Success logo, and read detailed stories each day in The Sampson Independent.
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