Music and lights stir Old Home Week throng
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

Chief Warrant Officer Gordon Kippola traveled to Greencastle with The Volunteers, a component of the United States Army Field Band. Six musicians performed prior to the fireworks at Kaley Field Friday evening. Kippola is the son-in-law of Fred and Tena Karinshak.

The heat and humidity eased Friday night, the crowds descended upon Kaley Field and Old Home Week spectators were treated to a rousing concert and display of fireworks. It was a fitting end to an overloaded week, a chance to relax and enjoy sights and sounds in the company of friends and family.

Patsy Cline, aka Penny Eckman, provided the opening act. She was rained out of Thursday night's Music on the Square.

The Volunteers, a component of the U. S. Army Field Band, then stepped up to the microphones and played with energy and talent for 90 minutes. The audience joined Non- Commissioned Officer-in- Charge SGM Parris Spivey for The Star Spangled Banner, and then the military took over with music ranging from jazz to rock, country to pop.

Visiting 'home'

The Kaley Field stadium was filled during The Volunteers concert. Sfc. Howard Smith of Carlisle was audio engineer for the members of the Army Field Band.

Chief Warrant Officer IV Gordon Kippola watched from the sidelines. His presence was not required as the Officer-in- Charge. The Volunteers were used to traveling alone.

But Kippola is the husband of Greencastle native Trecia Karinshak, so he used the opportunity to escort the group and visit his parents-in-law, Fred and Tena.

"Did you get dinner anywhere?" Tena asked with motherly concern before the concert.

"I had a hotdog," he replied.

When the position came open, career soldier Kippola applied for Officer-in-Charge. "It was competitive, because it is a desirable job," he said.

He normally conducts the Jazz Ambassadors and is responsible for resolving any issues that arise in their schedule throughout the year.

The Army Field Band is comprised of the Volunteers, the Jazz Ambassadors, the Soldiers' Chorus and the Concert Band. All four groups tour the United States as official representatives of the Army. They perform at no charge to the host.

The Volunteers and the fireworks that followed entertained thousands Friday.

"That's your tax dollars hard, hard at work," said Kippola.

The Volunteers are based in Washington D.C. and Kippola at Ft. Meade. They traveled to Greencastle Friday with an 18- wheeler hauling the equipment, and returned home after the concert.

As children played in the grass and adults listened from the bleachers or lawn chairs, SSG April Boucher opened the show with 'I'm Walking on Sunshine.' Five men accompanied her on keyboard, guitar and percussion. SFC Howard Smith of Carlisle ran the audio system.

Jennifer Becknell, originally from South Carolina, watched from the end zone.

"It's a good night to get out with the kids," she said.

Experiencing her first OHW, she had called the Chamber of Commerce to ask about the postponed parade. The office mentioned the Friday evening activities.

"That sounds like fun," she thought, and brought her two sons.

Though they live just two blocks away, John and Liz Stock and her father Edgar Stallings plopped their lawn chairs in the grass. They probably could have heard the music and seen the fireworks from home.

"We like the Army Band," said Liz. "It's a tradition to come over here."

The Volunteers concluded their program with 'God Bless America' and 'I'm Proud to Be an American', which brought the thousands to their feet.

Fireworks dazzle

"Ooh, ohh, ahh. Whoa! Wow! Awesome!"

People watching the fireworks display were hardpressed for words to describe their amazement at the halfhour show of lights.

The crowd was mesmerized by the spectacular colors, the unusual patterns, and the broad scope of the pyrotechnics. Many folks commented it was the best show they had ever seen, outdoing Antietam and the Fourth of July.

With the last sizzle and pop, and the 'Good Night' sign marking the absolute end of the evening, the spectators filed out of the stadium, trying to remember where they parked their cars. Getting home was fairly easy, thanks to the organized efforts of the fire police, who directed traffic at many intersections.

The sky resumed its blackness and night returned for the contented populace.