Long's Park Amphitheater Foundation Celebrates 60 Years

"Today we rededicate this beautiful amphitheater that was built in 1962," said Long's Park Amphitheater Foundation (LPAF) summer music committee series and board member Tony Kirchner as he welcomed more than 50 attendees to the LPAF rededication of the amphitheater on May 26. The rededication took place exactly 60 years after the amphitheater became a fixture at Long's Park, 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster.

"We are able to do what we do because of your dedication and commitment to our mission," Kirchner told the gathering, singling out Wickersham Construction and WGAL for their sponsorship from the beginning. He noted that Sundays during the summer through Aug. 28 will be marked by the presence of national and international recording artists on the stage.

Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace spoke following Kirchner. She recognized former mayors Charlie Smithgall and Art Morris, both in attendance. "This institution ... is a labor of love that has been happening for 60 years," said Sorace, who also recognized LPAF board members.

Dave Wauls, past LPAF president had created a trivia quiz about the amphitheater for attendees to complete. Using true and false questions, he queried guests about the entertainers who have performed there - no Ricky Martin, but Arlo Guthrie and his daughter made an appearance. Wauls also entertained with ice breakers that involved sharing memories of concerts.

Tom Ellis, interim president of LPAF, spoke about the history of the amphitheater, starting in 1957. "The iconic structure was a vision getting ready to be fulfilled," he said of the amphitheater, pointing out that Armstrong created the roof of the structure, which only needed its first repairs this year. He noted that the Sertoma Club put together a leadership team in 1959 and then built and commissioned the amphitheater before turning it over to the city. In 1962, the iconic building opened for its first summer with the New Holland Band on the roster, along with a number of individuals and celebrity acts"

Ellis pointed out that the park hosts up to 6,000 guests at most concerts with 30,000 attendees at concerts that feature fireworks. Smithgall's cannons were part of those presentations for 35 years. Ellis added that Pat Boone, Emmett Kelly Jr., and Red Skelton have all performed at the park.

In 1979, the Arts and Crafts Festival, as it was called then, became a fundraiser. "It remains the single biggest contributor and one of the top art festivals on the Eastern Seaboard," said Ellis. Father and son team Richard and Rick Faulkner kicked off that first festival. Rick was present at the rededication and received a round of applause from the group.

Last year, 200 volunteers participated in organizing and running the art festival, but the organization can always use more helpers. Ellis pointed out that board members are volunteers. "All of this is a community service," he said. "We are grateful for the entire board."

LPAF board member Janice Henry spoke about upcoming events and fundraisers the organization has planned, and Kirchner closed the event.

For more information and a schedule of summer concerts, please visit http://www.longspark.org.