Freedom on Main

On July 3rd, the Roanoke community will celebrate our Nation’s birthday by hosting the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Patriotic Pops Concert – “Freedom on Main”. Geared specifically for the Roanoke location, “Freedom on Main” takes place right on Main Street in downtown Roanoke. Local volunteers build a large stage on the north end of the block then fill the street with chairs, tables, flags and pride. The backdrop to the stage is a huge American flag which sets the tone for the whole street.

“It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday weekend,” says Alice Eshelman, chairperson of the event. “Joseph Decuis is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this concert and show off our beautiful town with patriotic pride.”

Performing Sousa’s Hands Across the Sea and Gould’s patriotic, American Salute, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic sets toes tapping and spirits lifting. Special this year is a medley of Irving Berlin’s music and WWII favorite, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. As with tradition, the Philharmonic will play Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture as well as the Armed Forces Salute in which veterans and members of the different branches of service stand and are honored as their anthem is played.

Every year the Roanoke concert also honors veterans and those still in service to our country. Roanoke’s local WWII veteran Ralph Hine, turning 102 this year, is returning again along with his wife, Ruth and this year’s special honoree is nurse and 1st Lt. Mary “Polly” Woodhull Lipscomb who served the country in WWII in England from 1942 to 1945. She was with the Army Nursing Corps, 67th General Hospital which was used for the recuperation of British, Canadian and American soldiers returning from European battlefronts. The concert recognizes all veterans and thanks them for their service.

Shops and restaurants are open throughout Roanoke. As the title sponsor, Joseph Decuis will have a food tent on 1st Street at the Main gate and will be selling Wagyu burgers and BBQ beef for dinner ($5.50-$8.00) from 5-8:00pm and the restaurant offers a special 3- course dinner starting at 5:30 for $40 (plus tax & tip) for which a reservation is needed. And the Roanoke Area Heritage Center is selling home-made ice cream.

The evening is also a fund raiser for the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Chairs are provided and seating is available on a first come first serve basis. The gates open at 6:00pm for general seating with the preconcertentertainment,TheCompanySingers,startingat6:30pm. Keepinginthetraditionof saluting our country and its veterans, The Company Singers commemorate the Civil War era with its music, both military and folk tunes, while dressed in the uniforms of Union soldiers. The “Freedom on Main” concert with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic begins at 8pm.

For more information, please call Alice Eshelman at 672-1715.