ENTERTAINMENT IS ALIVE IN VAN WERT: SAFE & WITH SOUND
Fourth of July entertainment freedom returns to Fountain Park this Saturday presented by Van Wert LIVE and powered by The Van Wert County Foundation. Fountain Park will be filled with socially distanced folks from the region who are ready to experience the escape that live entertainment provides. American Ride: A Tribute to Toby Keith, will set spirits soaring with lyrics that pay homage to those who have fought to maintain the freedoms that we enjoy in this great Country.
American girls and American guys
We'll always stand up and salute
We'll always recognize
When we see Old Glory flying
There's a lot of men dead
So we can sleep in peace at night when we lay down our head
My daddy served in the army
Where he lost his right eye but he flew a flag out in our yard
Until the day that he died
He wanted my mother, my brother, my sister and me
To grow up and live happy
In the land of the free
"Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," was written in late 2001, and was inspired by Keith's father's death in March 2001, as well as the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States later that year. It was released in May 2002 and became the Academy of Country Music song of the year in 2002. In a November 2003 interview with CBS, Keith gave his take on the song. "I had a dad that was a veteran, taught me how precious our freedom is – I was so angry when we were attacked here on American soil that it leaked out of me. You know, some people wept when they heard it. Some people got goosebumps. Some people were emotionally moved. Some cheered, turned their fists in the air.”
Michael Sugg is referred to as the best Toby Keith impersonator and has been performing his tribute for seven years. He bears an uncanny resemblance to the Country star. He and his band will take the stage at 7P. Food vendors will be available on Jefferson Street beginning at 5:30P.
Here are some tips for the day to ensure safety and respect for all. Get to the park in time to secure your socially distanced space. Chairs and blankets are welcome. Family and Friends are asked to sit in "pods" that are 6 feet apart from each other. Facemasks are optional. Please be aware of the heat index on that day and be cognizant of any light-headedness if wearing a mask. Touchless Hand Sanitizing Stations will be located throughout the park on the sidewalks. A distance will be maintained from the stage to the audience for the safety of our artists and guests. When purchasing food from the food trucks and vendors, please be aware of the taped markings on the pavement as they provide adequate social distance.
The concert will be complete around 8:30P, providing ample time to safely travel to the Van Wert City School parking lot to take in the Fireworks Display. No doubt this 4th of July concert looks a bit different than before, but the freedoms we celebrate give reason to rejoice in Van Wert, Ohio!