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8 OHjg jjaratt afclggrap!; Wednesday, oct. u, mi MAYOR RONNIE THOMPSON, left, accepts the "keys" to Macon Coliseum from former Mayor Ed Wilson. Charles F. Adams, center, is chairman of the Middle Georgia Coliseum Authority. The ceremonies took place during last night's dedication cere- COLISEUM SIDELIGHTS Drinnon Photo by Joel Thames Jr. monies. Plans for the coliseum started during Wilson's administration, continued through that of B. F. Merritt Jr. and the coliseum was completed during the administration of Thompson. Macon Enters New Era, Despite Malfunctions By RONNIE ELLINGTON Telegraph Staff Writer Macon and Middle Georgia entered a new era of entertainment last night as the Macon Coliseum was formally dedicated. The dedication ceremonies, which were held on a platform in the middle of the iced covered arena, began promptly 15 minutes late, with work still being done on the Hobday on Ice sets just behind a curtain at the rear of the platform and as the dedication ceremony moved along, so did the work making it impossible at times to hear the speaker. , The 1,500 persons on hand for the ceremonies were entertained during that 15 minute delay by newsmen and dignitaries alike who skated back and forth from the platform to the back of the arena and dry concrete. At least one newsman did not show Holiday on Ice form as he lost his footing and performed a most ungraceful swan dive. The, ceremonies were less thf Pi first half of the show proved as much family entertainment as any Walt Disney production. The action in the show was rapid fire and fast paced as it continuously moved from one end of the arena to the other. It was reminiscent of a three ring circus with such an abundance of action and movement it was difficult to find and follow the star performers without getting side- Solon Talks At TVfp.ivwr tracked on something else. The sets and costumes were highly decorative and colorful and were stood on and worn by lovely girls, who moved with such grace you caught yourself looking to see if they were wearing skates. The show was well received by Middle Georgians, many of Whom were seeing their first ice show. Looking around the new impressive structure, viewing a "big league" performance, many of them must have been caught wondering if they were actually in Macon.