HONESDALE, PA – What better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than to hear some rousing patriotic music, eat way too much food and then marvel at glorious fireworks? Honesdale has just the right thing for you. On Tuesday, July 1 the Wayne County Creative Arts Council kicks off the holiday with music, food and fireworks in Honesdale’s Central Park. Festivities begin at 6pm with young musician, Olivia Pinto. Olivia just graduated Honesdale High School where she was a member of the cross country team, track team, and fellowship of Christian athletes. She has been involved in the school musicals as well as the chorus and chamber choir. Olivia qualified for district chorus twice and regionals chorus once. She loves music because it allows us to express feelings that words cannot always convey.

The Doug Smith Band, at 6:30pm, will be followed by the Crystal Band of Scranton at 8:30pm. A young girl with a powerful voice, Maddie Franckowiak, will start off the fireworks by singing the National Anthem. The Greater Honesdale Partnership sponsors the fireworks from Irving Cliff beginning at approximately 9:30pm.

The Doug Smith Band is well known in the area for their lively mix of Dixieland, jazz and contemporary music. Taking the stage with bassist Smith are R.J. Kennedy on drums, Jim Waltich playing both accordion and piano, Gary Rixner with his slide trombone, Dany Coyle on trumpet and featuring Sharon Ambrocia, vocals.

At approximately 8:30pm the Crystal Band of Scranton will fill the stage with some rousing patriotic tunes. They are led by Doreen Ignatovic. The band is an all-volunteer community group ranging in age from high school students to retirees. They play a wide variety of musical selections including modern popular arrangements, light classical, pops, Broadway, Sousa, and big band.

In addition to the entertainment, there will be food, and lots of it. Everything from cheese steaks, to gyros; fried Oreos to donuts and homemade Creamworks ice cream. Face painting, novelty vendors and local maple syrup will fill out Court Street.

Come out early to enjoy all of the festivities. There will be handicapped parking along Church Street.

The rain date will be July 2. In case of inclement weather, please listen to local radio station WDNH 105.3FM. Information can also be found on www.honesdaleparkevents.org and on the Wayne Co. Creative Arts Council’s Facebook page.

Wednesday, July 3 will feature a group that is new to Honesdale’s stage, Brass Roots. The young musicians for the evening are Addison Swingle and Jamie Garrod. They will take the stage at 6pm.