CHAMBERSBURG – Saturday, Sept. 20, is a big day in Franklin County’s commemoration of America’s 250th birthday. Readers may join the Franklin County Visitors Bureau for the grand unveiling of the Franklin County Bell Across PA. The event takes place at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center and begins at 1 p.m.. Bells Across PA is a statewide initiative of America250PA to celebrate the contributions of the 67-counties of Pennsylvania, whose residents influence and contribute to the nation’s past, present and future.
Delivered in early June to The Foundry on Lincoln Way West in Chambersburg, the bell came to life as local artist Andrea Finch used the design developed by a group of country artists to paint the bell. Located in the window of The Foundry, the public viewed the bell as it transformed from a blank version to show the Franklin County’s history, landmarks, agriculture and natural beauty. Spectators of the Old Home Week Parade in Greencastle on Aug. 7 had a chance to view the work in progress. Artist Andrea Finch, members of the America250PA Franklin County Committee, plus staff and friends of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau showed off the partially completed bell on a parade float.
During the unveiling ceremony, glass harpist Virginia Scites of Faire Wynds Entertainment will provide music. The glass harp, also called the ghost fiddle or musical glasses, is a connection to Benjamin Franklin, namesake of Franklin County. The glass harp inspired Benjamin Franklin to invent the glass armonica. Following the unveiling, Scites will present the history of the glass harp and glass harp concert in the Great Room of the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center. Both the unveiling and the glass harp concert are free events.
Of course, a special occasion such as this would not be complete without a cake to celebrate the unveiling and the 250 years of America. A variety of refreshments and appetizers plus giveaways are also part of the festivities.
The Franklin County Bell Across PA is available for display at community events, historic sites, churches, businesses and at locations where the public can view and appreciate the contributions Franklin County makes to both Pennsylvania and America. Mercersburg’s Townfest plays host to the Franklin County Bell on Sept. 27, as Mercersburg commemorates 275 years of town history. Readers may contact Franklin County Visitors Bureau at 717-552-2977 if interested in hosting the Franklin County Bell Across PA.
Readers may learn more about Franklin County and discover lots to see and do at www.ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com and keep up to date on Franklin County’s semi quincentennial celebration at www.America250PAFranklinCounty.com.
