FOLEY, Ala. — Although no official announcement has been made about the forthcoming Foley attraction, Blue Collar Destination, its vision is to be family-friendly.

According to entertainer and co-developer Tony Orlando, that vision is galvanized with the Blue Collar Comedy trio that the destination’s theme centers around.

“Look at Jeff Foxworthy,” he said in a visit to Foley last week. “He is a family man and works with young people.”

Orlando said the same of Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy, the remaining two-thirds of the famed comedy team.

“It’s a natural marriage,” said the more than 50-year show business veteran.

That marriage of the Southern comedians’ individual humor and an entertainment destination is what will set the tone.

“When you put the face of Mickey Mouse on Disney, it becomes more than a theme park,” Orlando said. “When you put Larry the Cable Guy and ‘Git ‘er done’ or Jeff Foxworthy and ‘You might be a redneck’ on a ride, this is no longer just a ride.”

The other part of that vision is to spotlight veterans with a designated portion of the facility deemed Yellow Ribbon Freedom Plaza. Orlando explained that will include an outdoor stage, fountain and representations of each military branch.

“We should be proud of our country,” he said.

Orlando explained that the plaza is part of his effort to honor U.S. veteran that began in 1973.

“Back when I recorded ‘Yellow Ribbon,’ I was invited by Bob Hope to perform at the Cotton Bowl,” he recalled.

During that performance, Orlando was impacted by the servicemen and veterans attending the event.

“They changed my life,” he said. “From then on, I promised I’d work with them.”

One way he has done that is by an annual “Salute to Veterans” concert in Branson, Mo.

“Last year, we had 175,000 veterans and their families attend,” Orlando said.

When it opens in late spring 2015, the previously reported midway rides, restaurants, resort and additional attractions will join that plaza on the 220-acre property that intersects County Road 20 and Foley Beach Expressway.

“We’re looking forward to being part of the community,” Orlando said.

However, residents of neighborhoods near the property have voiced concern about added traffic and noise such a venture could bring. But Orlando pointed to Tanger Outlet’s assimilation into the community.

“Tanger Outlet Mall draws 6 million people,” he said, adding that it must have received similar questions when proposed.

Orlando said Blue Collar Destinations be a family-friendly addition to the area’s growing tourism market.

“It’s a wonderful idea for families,” he said. “Blue Collar represents everything that’s America: hard-working people, the military, families.”

That confidence comes from seeing the formula already proven by such ventures as Six Flags and Disney World.

“I remember walking through the swamps of Orlando,” he said of the decades-ago tour Walt Disney gave him of property slated for Disney World in Florida.

Orlando’s enthusiasm is such that he is already thinking of Blue Collar’s grand opening.

“Lionel Richie is from Tuskegee,” he said. “He’s excited about maybe sometime coming here.”

Orlando mused about opening the destination with such notable Alabama-based acts as Lynyrd Skynyrd and Alabama.

“Have some of our own talent perform,” Orlando said.

So although a formal announcement has yet to be made, Blue Collar Destination’s most famous partner is confident of its conception.

“This will happen,” Orlando said.