Several area communities are planning patriotic events in honor of Independence Day. They include:

Westminster College

Westminster College will host an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration with a free concert at 7:30 p.m. July 2, and a free concert and fireworks at 7:30 p.m. July 3. Both events will be at Brittain Lake.

Thursday’s concert will feature the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus in Anderson Amphitheater next to the lake. Seats will be set up in the amphitheater and guests may bring their own chairs for lawn seating.

Dr. R. Tad Greig, Westminster assistant professor of music and director of bands, will conduct the Field Band for “American Salute,” Morton Gould’s classic American tribute based on “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.”

The Soldiers’ Chorus, a 29-member mixed choral ensemble, is the vocal complement of the Field Band. Their music covers a variety of opera, Broadway, barbershop, and Americana styles.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating, as well as picnic baskets and refreshments. Food vendors will be on site.

The Eintracht Maennerchor Singing Society will be on hand for the National Anthem and the Battery D 229th Field Artillery of the Pennsylvania National Guard will supply howitzer fire during the 1812 Overture. New Wilmington resident Kathy Bressler-Mansell, choir director at Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church in New Castle, will join the band for “God Bless America.” The evening will be capped by a fireworks display by Pyrotecnico.