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Army Band helps celebrate July 4
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The Williamson and Culp families roasted marshmallows while they listened to the United States Army Field Band at Boardman Park July 5.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Samara Mcgaha (left) and her grandmother, Star, got front-row seats to hear the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band play at Boardman Park July 5.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Tracey Wasielewski got some one on one time with her dog, Sheldon, during the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band concert at Boardman Park July 5.
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Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band played a number of crowd favorites at Boardman Park July 5.
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Giavonna Wylie (left) and her mother, Domonique Martino, were excited to watch the fireworks and hear the music played by the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band at Boardman Park July 5.
By EARTHA TERRELL
Almost every inch of grass was covered with lawn chairs and picnic blankets for eager people awaiting the melodic tunes of the United States Army Field Band at the Maag Outdoor Arts Theater at Boardman Park in celebration of Independence Day July 5.
The event welcomed newcomers as well as annual visitors in celebration of the holiday. The concert was particularly special for Becky Braun, whose husband was a veteran.
“It’s wonderful and very uplifting. I was here last year and it was so inspiring. My husband fought in WWII,” Braun said.
From the moment the band opened with blaring sounds of saxophones and trumpets echoing through the park to the closing note, audience members listened intently while they enjoyed the serenity of the warm weather and the company of loved ones.
The event also provided an outlet for children, who played frisbee and a variety of games with their friends and family. Others walked their dogs, laid across the grass in the sun and made smores. The band played a variety of music, which delighted the crowd.
“I think it’s great. They’re really good and they’re not amateurs. The atmosphere and the feel is American. It’s great,” said Joe Restivo.
The fireworks were also a crowd-pleaser and added a special ending to the event.
“It’s just a good atmosphere. We’re celebrating and I really think it’s a great event and it’s really nice that they’d do something like this,” added Restivo.