COLUMBIA CITY, IN. – June 10 – Columbia City Connect invites the community to gather for an inspiring evening of patriotic music, historic tributes, and hometown talent at Stars, Stripes & Symphony on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM in downtown Columbia City.
This free community concert is presented in celebration of America 250 and dedicated to the men and women who have served our country. The event will bring together musicians, performers, and community members for a memorable evening honoring America’s history, values and veterans.
The program will feature a talented lineup of local performers and patriotic presentations, including:
- Whitko Marching Band, featuring current students and alumni members, serving as the evening’s headlining performance
- Lisa O’Dell portraying Abigail Adams and presenting a reading of The Declaration of Independence
- Aspen Craft performing the Preamble to the Constitution
- Murray Cox portraying Abraham Lincoln and presenting the Gettysburg Address
- Kira Bell reading Walt Whitman’s O Captain! My Captain!
- Truman Sade presenting Theodore Roosevelt’s Man in the Arena
- Performance by the Indian Springs Middle School Choir
- The Lawrence E. Wolfe Community Handbell Choir
- The Whitley County Community Choir
The evening will also feature patriotic opening and transitional music provided by a Dixieland Band, helping to create a festive and patriotic atmosphere throughout the program.
“Stars, Stripes & Symphony is a unique opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary while honoring the sacrifices and service of our veterans,” said Doug Clark, event organizer. “We are excited to showcase the incredible local talent that will bring this patriotic program to life.”
Reserved seating is available for veterans and may be secured by calling Doug at (260) 445-2487. Additional seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the event from designated public seating areas.
Columbia City Connect extends its sincere appreciation to the event’s table sponsors for their generous support of Stars, Stripes & Symphony. Their contributions not only help fund this special America 250 celebration but also provide reserved seating and a front-row experience for local veterans. Through their commitment to community and country, these sponsors are helping create an evening of patriotism, remembrance and civic pride.
- C & A Tool
- Five Star Distributing
- Fox Products Corporation
- Fort Wayne Metals
- Steel Dynamics, Inc.
- Crossroads Bank
- Allpro Towing, Inc
- Whitley County Lion Club
- Nowak Supply
- Abby Carter, RE/MAX Integrity
Stars, Stripes & Symphony promises an evening filled with patriotic music, meaningful tributes, and community pride as Columbia City celebrates America 250 together. Community members of all ages are invited to attend and kick off their Independence Day festivities with this special hometown celebration.
