Fireworks display rocks PNC Field
Published: July 4, 2009
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Jason Farmer / Staff Photographer Six-year-old Todd Monahan, left, and his brother, Connor, 4, of Moosic, watch the fireworks exploding Friday night above PNC Field.
MOOSIC - A little rain did little to dampen the spirits of those attending the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic's annual Fourth of July performance at PNC Field.
Natalie MacNamara, 7, of Topsham, Maine, waved her arms emphatically, pretending to conduct the musicians during a medley of patriotic songs.
She and her grandmother, Joan Masich of Clarks Summit, sang along to "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Mrs. Masich, who was dressed in a festive, flag-patterned sweater, said she and her husband, Mike, have attended the event several years now.
"It's Natalie's first time," she said.
Natalie said she was excited for the big event - fireworks.
"I can't wait," she said.
Outside the stadium, Herb Truhe prepared to release 900 pounds of colorful explosives into the air. He has provided the event's fireworks for the last 12 years, he said.
The program included an armed forces salute, during which conductor Lawrence Loh acknowledged each military branch in turn.
"Let's hear it for the United States Army," Mr. Loh said.
The crowd responded with raucous applause, clapping in time to the music.
More than halfway through the show, the rain came. Umbrellas sprang up throughout the crowd, and those without them sought cover in the halls or under an overhang.
A rendition of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" capped the performance and served as background to the fireworks display. Powerful reverberations shook the ground as colors exploded into the sky.
Contact the writer: cbaress@timesshamrock.com
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