The Kittanning Firemen’s Band performed under the sun outside the Armstrong County Courthouse in Kittanning on Saturday, three weeks ahead of it representing the borough, the county and all of Pennsylvania in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.
It will be a “particularly special” Fourth of July as this year marks the nation’s 250th anniversary, said Drew Fennell of Harrison, the band’s director since late 2014.
“It’s a pretty cool thing. This is only going to happen once,” he said. “That’s something you can say you did to your grandchildren.”
Kevin Gibbons, 71, of North Apollo, a retired police officer and member of Apollo Hose No. 2, has been a member of the band since 1975 and was its director for 16 years.
“I’m more than excited about it,” he said. “It’s going to be a tremendous event.”
Donna Weckerly, America250PA Armstrong County advisor and master of ceremonies, said the community send-off reflected pride and long-standing tradition.
“The Kittanning Firemen’s Band has represented our region for generations, and having them selected to represent Pennsylvania in the nation’s Independence Day Parade is an honor for all of Armstrong County,” she said. “This event gives local residents an opportunity to celebrate that achievement together before the band heads to Washington, D.C.”
Among accolades from local, county and state elected officials was Kittanning Mayor Richard Essenwein presenting the band with a proclamation declaring June 13 as Kittanning Firmen’s Band Day in the borough.
“We are so proud of you all,” he said.
Founded in 1949, the Kittanning Firemen’s Band celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024. It’s a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the traditions of the classic American marching band and its music.
Fennell said there are now very few firefighters on the band’s roster. Its members come from all walks of life and various professions, and range in age from their teens into their 80s.
The band has performed in Washington, D.C. before, including on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in 1982 and at the National World War II Memorial in 2011. This will be its first time in a parade there, Fennell said.
For Saturday’s event, the band emerged from behind the courthouse and marched down Market Street before making their way to the courthouse for photos and an 11-song performance.
Before the band’s performance, Marlee Smith, a 2026 Armstrong School District graduate, sang the national anthem.
Smith, who hopes to pursue a career as a Christian singer-songwriter and music teacher, said performing at the send-off was meaningful because it gave her an opportunity to support a local group that has represented the community for generations.
“It’s really special to be part of sending them off as they represent Pennsylvania in Washington,” Smith said.
After getting the news of their selection in early November, the band launched an effort to raise $53,000 to cover the costs, including $40,000 for hotel rooms. Fennell said they were most of the way there, with the trip paid for.
Band manager Tyler Woodside thanked the community for supporting them.
“We would not be able to go to the nation’s capital to represent you without your support. Many members of our community, down to $5 to thousands of dollars, everyone chipped in. We’re just so blessed and so thankful for all of you,” he said. “It’s going to be really quite a show that we’re going to put on for Armstrong County in our nation’s capital on July 4.”
Weckerly said she hopes those attending Saturday took away a renewed appreciation for the traditions that connect them.
“Small towns like ours have a remarkable ability to come together, support one another and celebrate something bigger than ourselves,” she said.