The free one-day festival premiered in 1997 and this year attracted 10,000 people. A committee of 10 oversees everything from planning to organizing the philanthropic activity that supports it. Many in the community donate their time and effort. Each fall, the Daily Herald in Arlington Heights, Ill., sponsors a series of free concerts on a single weekend. Music groups from the U. S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines perform, including bands, jazz ensembles and choruses.
Concerts take place at various sites in the newspaper distribution area.
In-paper ads offer coupons that can be used to acquire free tickets. This year's three free concerts attracted 10,000 listeners. A parade, complete with floats, bands and a 21-gun salute, begins the celebration. The district congressional representative and state representatives close the event with a tribute to veterans. Run by the newspaper, the celebration draws the largest crowd to gather in New Castle each year.