Free concert planned

Start with the New Holland Band playing traditional July Fourth tunes. Sprinkle with the melodic voices of Perfect Harmony. Blend in aerial displays provided by Schaefer Fireworks, and you will have a recipe for the first Celebrate America! event held at the Barn at Paradise Station.

The free community event, which will be held at 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks, will open at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, with a variety of food trucks on-site, including those selling coffee, pretzels, and ice cream. Wine and beer will be available for purchase from the Barn Bistro, and yard games will be arranged on the grounds of the venue for attendees to enjoy.

The music of the concert is designed to be a celebration of God and the blessings of American independence. The New Holland Band performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. Fred Hughes, who recently became the director of the New Holland Band, said that the two-hour concert will feature Perfect Harmony singing with the group. Perfect Harmony is a vocal trio featuring Kat Prickett, Sarah Poague, and Ric Zimmerman. "I have taken (Perfect Harmony's) big patriotic numbers and scored the band to accompany them," Hughes said. "(Members of Perfect Harmony) will also sing solo spots on (Great) American Songbook tunes, and the band will do some special numbers featuring sections of the band."

Hughes noted that some Broadway tunes will be mixed into the presentation, leading up to the "1812 Overture," which will accompany the beginning of the fireworks at dusk. After the fireworks come in at the appropriate time during the "1812 Overture," the band will present a variety of well-known numbers such as "The Stars and Stripes Forever," "You're a Grand Old Flag," and "God Bless America," along with a few marches.

The rain date for the event will be Saturday, July 6.

Sponsorship opportunities for the event are available. A freewill offering will be received to help defray costs. Readers who would like more information may call 717-687-5000, ext. 118.