GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Galion Community Band will present its annual patriotic concert Saturday, July 5, 2025, celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday. The performance begins at 6 p.m. at the pavilion of the First United Church of Christ, located at 248 Harding Way West.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the outdoor concert. In case of rain, the event will move inside to the church sanctuary. A free-will donation is requested to help offset the costs of the concert.

The program will feature a selection of patriotic favorites, opening with “The Star-Spangled Banner” arranged by J.P. Sousa. Other pieces include “The Blue and the Gray (Civil War Suite)” by C. Grundman, “The Fairest of the Fair” by J.P. Sousa, “Echoes from the Battlefield” arranged by D.W. Jenkins, and “The Homefront, Musical Memories from WW II” arranged by J. Christensen.

A highlight of the evening will be “Salute to the Armed Forces,” arranged by Jari Villanueva. Director Brian Treisch stated, “We will ask that those veterans who are able please come forward when their branch’s anthem is played during the ‘Salute to the Armed Forces’ and remain by the band during the ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’.” The concert will conclude with “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by J.P. Sousa, arranged by K. Brion and L. Schissel.

The Galion Community Band was formed in 1976 as part of Galion’s Bicentennial Celebration and has performed nearly every year since. The current band comprises talented adult musicians from Galion and surrounding areas, as well as students from Galion, Shelby, Northmor, Colonel Crawford, and Clear Fork schools. Brian Treisch directs the band.

The band will perform a second concert on Sunday, August 10, at 3 p.m. at the same location. More information is available on the Galion Community Band Facebook page.

The Galion Community Band is supported by the Galion Community Foundation, Bill and Marilyn Stepro, The Galion Elks (BPOE 1291), and Metronome Music. Additional support comes from The Galion City Schools, Brian & Brenda Treisch, and the Galion Tiger Alumni Band. Contributions to the band are welcome and can be sent to The Galion Community Foundation, P.O. Box 634, Galion, Ohio 44833.