LANCASTER – This Saturday, The BLVD will come alive with patriotic pride! The streets will be adorned with flags, banners and re-creations of some of the most famous war memorials in United States history, as the city of Lancaster hosts the third annual Celebrate America on The BLVD.
“We’re going to have amazing food, amazing music, wonderful entertainment and we’re also going to be having a lot of displays to show the history of our wonderful country,” said Lancaster council member Sandra Johnson.
The event, which pays tribute to United States history and honors local service and military personnel, will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, October 13 on Lancaster Boulevard, from Beech Avenue to Genoa Avenue.
The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. with entertainment on the BeX Stage and the LPAC Canteen Stage. Kicking off the event will be a special musical presentation by the Lancaster and Quartz Hill High School bands, as well as the Presentation of Colors and National Anthem at the BeX Stage. Directly following will be a tribute to the hometown heroes displayed on the banners along The BLVD, as well as the local veterans. The tribute will include an opportunity for all local service and military personnel present to have their photograph taken together.
“The greatest aspect of Celebrate America will be the opportunity it provides for the community to give thanks and acknowledgement to those who have sacrificed in the name of keeping our nation free and safe,” said Ronda Perez, Director of Parks, Recreation and Arts.
New to this year’s event will be “Moments in History.” The special presentation, sponsored by High Desert Broadcasting, will feature ongoing key moments from United States history, including:
- The Gettysburg Address
- Oratory by “George Washington” and “Ben Franklin” reminiscing on their lives and times
- The famous kiss in Times Square, and much more.
Downtown businesses and restaurants will be open, and a number of vendors and displays will line The BLVD throughout the evening’s festivities.
Other highlights of Celebrate America include:
- Re-creations of famous war memorials, such as Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima and a tribute to the Korean War;
- A 1950s style canteen in front of the Lancaster Performing Arts Center;
- A children’s area featuring an obstacle course, a rock climbing wall, a photo booth and fire and sheriffs displays;
- A vintage car show with more than 75 classic vehicles; and
- A fireworks show to round out the evening.
The Antelope Valley Blue Star Mothers will be raising proceeds for troops overseas, while providing an opportunity for event goers to assemble care packages to send to servicemen and women. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable items, which can be included in the care packages.
“We can never say or do enough to show our appreciation and support for our troops and the many men and women who have served in some capacity to protect this nation and our freedoms,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “This event is one way we can bring the entire community together to say ‘thank you for all you do.’”
For more information regarding the third annual Celebrate America event, call 661-723-6077 or visit www.cityoflancasterca.org.
View images from last year’s Celebrate America on The BLVD here.
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Doc Rivers says
Lancaster has never been shy about using public resources to support the political favorites of those we elect.Take away the money and these people have very little to offer our community.
CITIZEN says
SO NOT TRUE! aND THE BUTTONS ARE CONFUSING.. tHE CITY OF lANCASTER IS REALLY DOING SOME GREAT PUBLIC EVENTS AND BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER!
Adam Chant says
It’s encouraged that anyone who attends this event to dress in either vintage or military apparel. There will be vintage pin-up models presented by Vintage Styles Now mingling about all evening for photo opportunities near the 1950s style canteen and throughout the classic car area.
Eris says
It’s difficult not to be cynical about this event, since the Marketing Dept. seems to be running the city like an extended USO facility. Nothing wrong with that, except we’re sure that this will yet another opportunity for the conservative politicos running for office to also parade down the paths. Pretty soon they’re going run out of people who even remember the 50’s — then what? A 60’s grey-haired celebration with Frank Zappa look-alikes?
Melanie says
“cynical” is your middle name! I guess you would be all for it if it were all about pot smoking, getting high and free love. i dont think you could be any more transparent if you tried.
Eris says
Thank you. Nor could the city be more transparent in their staged opportunities.
Never turn your back on an opportunity to sway the vote, that’s for sure!