Published: July 06, 2009 10:25 am      

Huge crowd descends on Black Squirrel

It was a busy evening at Black Squirrel.

Sunday’s Celebrate America event at the golf course was jam-packed with special appearances and presentations.

After event president Al Lane set up a committee two years ago to find an appropriate individual, Chuck Cheek was announced as the new president of the group. Cheek was unaware of his selection until he was taken up on stage and presented with a hat from former City Council member Bill Bloss and a shirt from current council member Chic Lantz, both emblazoned with the event’s name and logo and identifying Cheek as president.

“I think Chuck is going to be very, very good,” Lane said.

Lane took a few moments to reflect on his six years as president of Celebrate America, which has become a city staple, while gunfire from Civil War reenactors punctuated the low buzz of attendees’ conversations.

“The best thing is that, when we started, there were only five of us, and from that we’ve grown to 48 people,” Lane said.

The original five consisted of Lane, Tony and Patty Krebs, Dave Bailey and Greg Lantzen. Lane said he has been blown away by the amount of support they and other event organizers have received throughout the years.

“Goshen is a great place to live, and it’s wonderful the cooperation and the attitudes we have here,” he said. “That’s my proudest feeling — the number of people who want to be involved in what we’re doing.”

During a second special announcement, current Goshen Chamber of Commerce Board President Vince Turner, on behalf of U.S. Rep. Mark Souder, R-3rd District, presented Lane with a flag flown at Souder’s request at the Capitol in Lane’s honor. The flag was flown on June 24, and came with a certificate from the Architect of the Capitol.

Entertainment at the event included Vidalia, Ga.-based Finding Favour, a Christian rock band who opened the evening with a half-hour set. The band secured the gig through its booking agent with 333 Artist Agency, a Goshen-based Christian booking and management company.

Other entertainment included music from the Amen Quartet of Goshen’s First United Methodist Church, Brent Vanhooser and Greg Lantzen. Colors were presented by American Legion Post 210 of Middlebury.

Although no official count was taken, Lane was hopeful for a new record.

“Unless I’m sadly mistaken, this is going to be the biggest one yet,” Lane said. “I’m really, really pleased with how everything came together.” Approximately 12,000 spectators attended last year.