LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Plenty of families refused to let a little rain keep them from one of Lima's favorite 4th of July traditions.
Every year, the Lima Area Concert Band performs patriotic music to get everyone in the mood for the fireworks display right after their show. They played songs like the Marine Corps march and mashups of classics like "The Yankee Doodle Boy" and "You're a Grand Old Flag."
Musicians have always played an important role on Independence Day, even as far back as during the Revolutionary War itself.
"Of course, Sousa was a very patriotic person, and he was head of the Marines band, and they were performing at the White House and all the big celebrations around the 4th of July. And even before that, back in the early times, the old fife and drum corps used to play patriotic music on the 4th," explained John Hill, the conductor.
The Lima Area Concert Band's next performance, "Welcome to the Cabaret," will be held on July 20th at 7:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center.
