Puckett featured in last 2011 park concert

Van Wert independent/County Foundation information

On Friday, August 12, The Van Wert County Foundation will present one of the most successful musical groups of the Sixties as Gary Puckett and the Union Gap take the stage at 7 p.m. that day in Fountain Park for a free concert.

Gary Puckett’s unmistakable voice, backed by the Union Gap band, garnered six consecutive gold records and Top 10 Billboard hits, including “Young Girl,” “Woman, Woman,” “Lady Willpower,” “Over You,” and “This Girl is a Woman Now.”

Puckett has performed on more than 30 network television shows and prime time specials during his career and continues to tour nationally and internationally. He has also released several new projects, including “Gary Puckett Live,” and a Christmas CD entitled “At Christmas.”

Immediately following the concert, a 27-by-30-foot screen will be inflated in front of the pavilion and a preview of the upcoming 2011-2012 Niswonger Performing Arts Center season will be followed by a showing of the restored and remixed movie classic, The Wizard of Oz, using the concert sound system. The family classic features Kansas girl Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), and her dog, Toto, as they are whisked away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. Dorothy joins the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion on an adventure down the Yellow Brick Road to persuade the Wizard of Oz to help her find her way home. Sponsors of the movie are local auto dealers, Kinstle GM Sales & Service, StateWide Ford and Taylor Auto Sales.

Food will also be available for sale throughout the evening in the Van Wert Rotary Club concession stand, prepared by the Van Wert Cattlemen’s Association and Van Wert Dairy Service group.

Area residents are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to Fountain Park in downtown Van Wert to enjoy an evening of family friendly entertainment.