It’s a grand old flag for sure, and on Sunday,its raising forms the centerpiece of the annual Liberty Extravaganza at First Presbyterian Church on Tower Hill.Â
Independence Day weekends in Red Bank have tended toward the quiet side in the years since the last KaBoom of the big fireworks events. But up at Tower Hill Church, a long-running old-school local tradition continues to make a glorious noise; one that continues for a 27th annual edition this Sunday, July 5.
Beginning at 5 pm with a Strawberry Festival on the church patio, the 2015 Liberty Extravaganza centers as always around a free 7:30 pm concert of all-American patriotic marches, gospel hymns and popular singalong songs; performed by singers from First Presbyterian Church and the greater Red Bank community, joined by vocal soloists and a brass ensemble.
It’s a seasonal serving of such crowdpleasing corn-on-the-cob as “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “God Bless America” on the stage that hosts the sophisticated sacred and secular sounds of the year-round Tower Hill Concert Series, and while admission is free, an offering will be taken to support the series.
The evening climaxes with a salute to America’s armed forces, and the traditional raising of the very grand old flag pictured above.
Doors open 6:45 pm for the concert, with general seating available on a first come, first served basis. Early arrival is recommended — and to sweeten the process, the pre-concert Strawberry Festival will offer up a selection of homemade strawberry desserts (plus live open-air entertainment on the patio) for a $5 charge. More information on Sunday’s Liberty Extravaganza and other public-welcome events at Tower Hill Church can be had by calling (732)747-1348.
