The sixth annual God Bless America patriotic concert is shaping up to be the biggest and best concert yet.
Willie Stewart Family and Friends will perform an evening of patriotic music beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, at the Many Community Center.
Stewart said that the band has been practicing for months now and he promises that folks will enjoy that standard patriotic songs celebrating our country and some new ones. The popular show will feature patriarch Willie Stewart, his wife Debbie, his son Bo Stewart, grandson Kelly Stewart, Kelly’s wife Clancy, and Willie’s two great grandsons, as well as several friends who are talented musicians too.
A new feature of the show will be door prizes donated by several local businesses and individuals. A donation jar will be set up in the theatre’s lobby. Anyone donating to the Wounded Warriors Project will be given a ticket making them eligible for winning one of the door prizes. Admission to the concert is free, but Many Mayor Robert Hable is asking that people make donations to the Wounded Warrior, a non-profit charity which helps wounded, ill or injured veterans, active soldiers and their families who fought for our freedoms and came home with lifelong injuries. As Hable explained, “These warriors are still paying the price and we want to help them.”
The mission of Wounded Warriors is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors who incurred physical or mental injury, illnesses, or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001. A family member, caregiver of a Wounded Warrior may also be eligible for the program.
One hundred percent of a donation supports wounded warriors.
Local businesses and individuals have been generous in donating prizes to people who donate. The door prizes include patriotic wreaths, American flags and flag poles, a 33-inch wind chime, a patriotic picnic set (plates, bowls, salad plates, serving tray, cups, napkins, tablecloth), and other prizes including a free oil change.
Donors include Family Farm and Garden, Good Gracious Flowers, Sandra Neel, Foy Motors, Mary Brocato, Dixie Stems by Cally, Nichols, Community Bank.
The music will begin at 6:30. Theatre doors will open at 5:30. People are being encouraged to come early, make a donation, view the door prizes, and get a good seat to settle down and enjoy an evening of patriotic music.