Hundreds of fans turned out Friday afternoon for the unveiling of an eight foot Willie Nelson statue at its new home on Willie Nelson Boulevard, right in front of ACL Live and the W Hotel. The statue created by sculptor Clete Shields and made possible by the members of Capital Area Statues, Inc. better known as CAST. It's the third Austin scultpture erected by CAST.
The W gets a makeover in honor of Willie Nelson.
Willie got off his bus to massive crowds. He made an effort to talk to many and sign autographs on his way to the stage.
Willie's signature smile.
Sculptor Clete Shields spoke briefly about how much the public support meant to him.
CAST boardmembers Elizabeth Avellan, Vince Salas and Stephen Harrigan (r) look on just before the unveiling, as boardmember Bill Wittliff spoke.
The legend and Willie's close friend, Kris Kristofferson.
CAST boardmember Lawrence Wright (l) and friends pose with Willie after the unveiling.
Willie performed "Roll Me Up & Smoke Me When I Die" as the crowd sang along.
Mayor Leffingwell shaking hands with Willie.
Jesusa Haygood shows off her Willie Shirt.
Sculptor Clete Shields and Austin film producer Elizabeth Avellan, a boardmember of CAST.
Mayor Lee Leffingwell, CAST boardmember and author Stephen Harrigan with former Mayor Will Wynn.
Tony Trungale with the Elite 25 Prime Lending sponsors, and
sponsors Dan and Clayton Bullock.
CAST boardmember Bill Wittliff and his son Reid.
Tom Borders and CAST boardmember Stephen Harrigan.
Bill and Stephanie Whitehurst, Sculptor Clete Shields and Nobelity Project Co-Founder Turk Pipkin.
Austin Councilmembers Mike Martinez, Kathie Tovo, Laura Morrison and Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole.
The Willie Nelson Statue.
