It’s the largest community event of its kind– the Long’s Park Independence Celebration kicked off Sunday evening in Lancaster with fireworks and a live concert.
More than 25 thousand people were expected to show up for Long’s Park’s Patriotic Concert. The United States Army band “Pershing’s Own” entertained the crowd. Former Lancaster Mayor Charlie Smithgall joined the band for the 1812 Overture and his historic live cannonade.
The entire celebration has been held in Long’s Park since 1976. Over the years the park has hosted a number of public events including the free summer music series, a fine art and craft festival, and the world’s largest chicken barbecue.