Concert, Picnic Set Monday

Celebrating 10 years of concerts, the Monticello Community Band will host an Independence Day celebration on Monday, July 4, on the lawn of Thomas Persons Hall, 319 College Street, in Monticello.

The band will present its tenth annual Independence Day concert at 7 p.m.

Across from the football field and on the lawn of a historic school, the free concert includes favorites from the past nine years, including Georgia on My Mind, Sousa marches and a musical salute to the Armed Forces.

In the event of rain, the picnic will be held in the Monticello Baptist Church fellowship hall followed by the concert in the sanctuary.

A children’s sidewalk and pet parade, sponsored by The Snap’n Turtle, will begin prior to the concert at 6:45.

Children between the ages of 2 and 10 and owners of companion animals are invited to register at the Snap’n Turtle children’s store in downtown Monticello.

Everyone who registers and participates will be entered to win a $50 Snap’n Turtle gift certificate. Rules and more information are available at the store. An award will be given for the best “float.”

In addition to the parade and the concert, the public is invited to set up tables, chairs and decorations and enjoy a patriotic-themed picnic dinner at 6 p.m. The Monticello First United Methodist Church is hosting a free hot dog dinner for everyone in attendance.

Post 110 of the American Legion will also raise the flag prior to the concert.

For more information, call band director Jehan El-Jourbagy at 706-816-0465 or visit www.monticellocommunityband.blogspot.com or the Snap’n Turtle on the Monticello square.