Just because Dave Grohl won't be at tonight's unveiling of the World's Largest Drumsticks, it doesn't mean he doesn't care.
The Foo Fighters' frontman and Nirvana drummer purchased a full-page ad on page 7D in today's Tribune Chronicle thanking the community for its efforts.
The ad, which shows a grinning Grohl wearing a white T-shirt with ''Made in Warren" printed on the front, says, "To the wonderful city of Warren, from the bottom of my heart, I'd like to thank you all so much. ... For the childhood memories. For my family. For my very own alley. For the world's largest drumsticks! And for all of your support ... But most of all, for being such a great community. One that makes me proud to say ... I am from Warren, Ohio!''
Grohl was born in Warren in 1969, and his father still lives in the Warren area.
When the ad was read to him, Main Street Warren President Joseph O'Grady said, ''Very cool. That is a class thank-you for a world class project ... What a way to say thank you.''
O'Grady led an effort to get the alley that runs parallel to the 100 block of West Market Street named after the rock star. David Grohl Alley, decorated with paintings by local artists, was dedicated in 2009, and Grohl came to Warren for the dedication ceremony and performed. O'Grady also has shepherded the ''World's Largest Drumsticks'' project since its inception.
The drumsticks were carved from poplar logs by local artist/woodcarver Joel Eggert, who called the ad, ''Awesome. ... It's very good that he showed appreciation.''
Eggert still is holding out hope that Grohl will one day sign the drumsticks, maybe when they are moved to their permanent home in the area of the alley after the summer concert season.
O'Grady said Grohl is working and unable to attend the festivities planned at the Warren Community Amphitheatre, 303 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren.
The drumsticks, which are about 23-feet long and weigh 900 pounds each, will be installed in front of the stage and covered until the unveiling ceremony, which will take place before a performance by Chris Higbee, the headliner for tonight's River Rock at the Amp concert. O'Grady said the ceremony will start sometime between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.