NORTH MANCHESTER – On July 4, Warvel Park will be filled with the aroma of food, the sounds of music, and prayers of thanks as American Legion Post 286 of North Manchester brings the community together in a “Celebration of Freedom.” Festivities at Warvel Park kick off at 3:15 p.m. with the Post 286 Color Guard presenting the colors, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Rex Tharp and prayer by Pastor JP Freeman. Serving line for the fish/chicken fry begins at 3:30 p.m. under the big pavilion as the sounds of the Music Fest commence in the gazebo. Advanced tickets are $7.50 for adults ($8 at the door) and $5 for children 6-10 (presale and at the door). Children under 5 are free. Tickets can be purchased from the American Legion members or by calling 260-982-8114 or at the Congregational Christian Church office at 260-982-2882. Carry-out available from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Congregational Christian Church also will sell apple crisp dessert, pop and water and free popsicles at the “Grace’s Free” concession stand. The 90-mile Freedom Hero Ride begins at Brandt’s in Wabash and ends at Warvel Park, North Manchester. Signup is from 9 to 10 a.m. with kick stands up by 10 a.m. Cost for the ride is $10 for pilot, $5 for co-pilot – fish fry ticket included. Proceeds from the motorcycle ride to benefit Rex Tharp who was injured while serving in Afghanistan. For more information about the ride, contact Johnny Wheeler at 260-982-6164. Freeman heads up the free Music Fest, which will feature a variety of local bands including: “4th & Walnut,” one of the worship bands of the Congregational Christian Church, performing original Christian and contemporary indie music. Band members are Jim Bennett, guitar and vocals; Steve Colbath lead and 12-string guitars; Craig Raikes, bass and vocals; Freeman, drums and vocals; and Larry Tobias will be joining in on the keyboards. The Tobias Family Band featuring Larry (keyboard and vocals) and Toby Tobias (drums, bass and vocals) and Piper Tobias (vocals) performing rock and roll, jazz, and original music and the North Manchester Barbershop picking group featuring Ron Neal, John Conley and Josh Mort performing Southern Gospel and classic country tunes. Gene & J. the The Vagabonds, Gene Strevy & JP Freeman and crew will share songs from the early days of rock ’n’ roll and country classics.Warvel Park is at the corner of Seventh and Market Streets in North Manchester. No alcoholic beverages permitted in the park. For more information about these events, contact David Terflinger at 260-403-6941, Wheeler at 260-982-6164 or Freeman at 260-578-0356.
