July Fourth events to be expanded

Band scholarships will go to Harding and Maplewood high schools.
WARREN -- Packard Band's annual July Fourth celebration is about to get bigger.
Band and Packard Music Hall officials are looking to expand the usual concert and fireworks display into an all-day community event.
Music Hall Manager Christopher Stephenson said plans could include a partnership with the Fine Arts Council of Trumbull County and a group of people who put on the annual Riverfest celebration.
In addition to the concert and fireworks, events will include nature walks, displays at the music hall and activities for children.
Stephenson said possibilities are pontoon boat tours of the Mahoning River, a kite demonstration, a performance of a children's theater group, face-painting and theater workshops.
Music scholarships: Adone "Cal" Calderone, a member and executive director of the Packard Concert Band, told Packard trustees Thursday the annual $500 George Garstick scholarships will be awarded this year to students at Warren G. Harding and Maplewood high schools.
The band started the scholarship fund for Garstick, who was the first manager of Packard Band.
The money goes to students who plan to major in music in college. This year's scholarship recipients have not yet been chosen.
In the past, the scholarships went only to Warren students, but the band decided last year to give one to other Trumbull County schools.
Lastly, Calderone said attendance for a band concert earlier this week topped 1,250 -- one of the three highest attendance figures for regular concerts that he can recall.
Calderone noted that attendance at concerts has been increasing steadily.