Millersburg Lions to host Army Band show at Harvest Ridge

The 122nd Army Band will roll into Holmes County on Monday, June 30 for a free concert at the Expo Center at Harvest Ridge.

In celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, this band has put together a family-friendly concert tour for all ages.

The Millersburg Lions Club will host this free concert and invites the public to come experience the sound of this professional crew.

Lions Club member Sue Dye said that in the past the Lions have sponsored other great military music groups including the 122nd Army National Guard Band and the Airforce Ensemble, and she said this group is equally impressive.

“These events are so much fun, and they bring such energy to the show,” Dye said. “Since this is the 250th anniversary, they said they have created a really special show filled with a lot of great numbers, so it really should be something.”

She said while they would have loved to perform outdoors, the chance of poor weather pushed them to make the decision to move the concert indoors into the air-conditioned space at the Expo Center.

Dye said the Lions host these types of events in the area because of the atmosphere it creates and because people enjoy hearing the music.

She said several years ago, she approached her fellow members of the Lions Club and asked them what they thought about the idea of bringing in a patriotic band on an annual basis.

They quickly agreed it would be great for the community.

“We try each year to get one of the military groups to come here to perform,” she said. “I think it is a great way to inspire people and get them to come downtown to enjoy our courthouse and grounds and enjoy great music and each other’s company.”

The patriotic evening showcases a mix of rock, pop hits, patriotic favorites and original arrangements.

The tour is currently blazing through 10 different stops throughout Ohio, building a connection between the public and the military. Through the gift of music, their aim is to foster unity, pride and a deeper understanding of the Army National Guard’s mission in Ohio.

Each performance is designed to honor service members from the past, present and future; inspire patriotism; and offer a family night of entertainment.

The band consists of 36 members and is based out of Columbus, having been organized in 1944 during World War II, with each band member held to the identical standards met by soldiers in the rest of the U.S. Army.

These soldiers just happen to be able to sing and play instruments.

The testimonials from those who have appreciated the Army Band’s performances are a telltale sign of the group’s ability to wow its audiences, having been called electric, a highlight, a class act and more.

“The talent level is amazing,” Dye said.

In addition to the musical entertainment, Exclusively Yours will be open and serving some old-fashioned American favorites including burgers, hot dogs, French fries, fish baskets, chicken strips and ice cream, making it a perfect evening for the family to enjoy music for free and some great food.

“It’s fairly inexpensive to buy some food, sit back and enjoy an evening out,” Dye said.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., and Dye said people should bring lawn chairs or camping chairs because seating will be limited.

She said one of the perks to the concert is both Danbury and the Holmes County Home will bring a large number of residents to the concert.

To learn more about the Army Band, visit them online at www.122ndArmyBand.com.