America Celebrates Turning 250, and the Abilene Band Will Turn 50

Abilene Community Band Celebrates 50 Years on America's 250th Birthday
One of the Big Country's favorite Fourth of July traditions returns with music, a flyover, and free family fun.

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Some Fourth of July traditions never get old, and this year one of Abilene's favorites is celebrating a milestone of its own.

While America marks its 250th birthday, the Abilene Community Band is celebrating 50 years of entertaining families across the Big Country. The band was founded on the Fourth of July during America's Bicentennial celebration in 1976, making this Independence Day a double celebration.

The free community event returns to the lawn of Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander Street in Abilene, where families are invited to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of patriotic music, food, and hometown pride.

Here's the Schedule:

• 6 PM - Festivities begin, with free hot dogs, popcorn, and beverages while supplies last.
• 6:30 PM - A special ceremony honoring the band's 50th anniversary.
• 7 PM - The Independence Day concert
• 7 PM - Shortly thereafter, a Big Country Commemorative Air Force Flyover

One of the evening's highlights will be a patriotic flyover by vintage aircraft from the Big Country Commemorative Air Force, adding another unforgettable moment to one of Abilene's longest-running Fourth of July traditions.

A Tradition Close to My Heart

I've had the privilege of broadcasting from this celebration for nearly 20 years, but my connection to the Abilene Community Band goes back much farther.

Long before radio, I was one of conductor Joe Stevens' band students. Mr. Stevens taught generations of young musicians throughout the Big Country, and I'm proud to have been one of them. When I called him recently to ask about the band's history, he reminded me the very first concert took place on the Fourth of July in 1976 during America's Bicentennial celebration. Fifty years later, that tradition is still bringing our community together.

If you're looking for a relaxing, family-friendly way to celebrate Independence Day, this hometown tradition is hard to beat. Bring your lawn chairs, enjoy the free food, listen to great patriotic music, watch the vintage aircraft fly overhead, and help celebrate America's 250th birthday and 50 years of the Abilene Community Band.

Read More: What To Expect At Clyde's Fourth Of July Festival