Army Band to visit

Ushers will be available to help those with special needs.

By VIRGINIA ROSS

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

NORTH LIMA — At least 60 soldiers are scheduled to march into the South Range High School football stadium on Saturday, not to battle, but to entertain.

For the first time, the Beaver Township Park Board will host a performance by the 122nd Ohio Army National Guard Band.

The unit, located at Rickenbacker Air Force Base in Columbus, consists of a large ensemble, a stage band and a rock combo as well as many small ensembles.

Scott Conway, township park administrator, said the unit has promised the township more than 90 minutes of music — from patriotic tunes to pop selections. The stadium gates will open at 6:30 p.m. with the music to start at 7. Admission is free.

The show will mark the band’s final stop of its 2007 summer tour. For several weeks each summer, the band performs in communities all over Ohio, from areas such as Toledo, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Marietta.

Play for food

Conway said the band charges nothing for the service and only asked for the township to have sandwiches ready for the musicians when they arrive.

“This is a real treat for Beaver Township because I don’t remember the band being here in the North Lima area before,” Conway said. “I’ve heard they’re excellent, and I’m hoping our residents come out and give them a lot of support. It’s quite a service they offer and ask very little in return.”

Conway said he expects 65 members of the 80-members band to arrive Saturday. The remaining members are not available because they are serving in Iraq.

Conway said the program will include a guest soloist and several surprises for the audience. There will be a 10-minute intermission.

Ushers will be on hand to assist guests, and accommodations for persons with disabilities will be available. Conway said several pupils from South Range are scheduled to volunteer to help the evening run smoothly. Refreshments will be sold at the concession stand.

Flag retirement

The evening will end with an American flag retirement ceremony conducted by Boy Scouts from the North Lima area.

“The Scouts have been collecting old and tattered flags from around the township, and this will give everyone an opportunity to see how a proper flag retirement is done,” he said. “Overall, the whole event will be worthwhile and I encourage everyone to come out for it and have a good time. I really don’t think anyone will be disappointed.”

For more information about the concert or other township park activities call the park line at (330) 549-9552.