7th Annual Kingfield POPS and Festival of the Arts, June 27, 2009
POPS Media contact: Lorna D. Nichols, 207-778-4215
Everyone knows that the Maine Army National Guard is prepared to meet any challenge presented to them. But when these soldiers were asked to perform as percussion soloists with an 80-piece band and, “oh by the way – your instrument will be an army cannon”, they accepted the challenge without hesitation.
They will represent the MEANG at the 7th Annual Kingfield POPS evening concert on June 27 in Kingfield, providing ‘extreme percussion’ during the 1812 Overture performed by the Casco Bay Concert Band. In years past the POPS has used local ‘extreme percussionists’ to simulate cannon fire at the end of the Overture to great success. This year the POPS will have the ‘real McCoy’.
Meet First Sergeant Stephen Soucy – he is the Senior NCO in charge of the 488th Military Police Company stationed out of Waterville, Maine. Soucy is a 20-year veteran of the Maine Guard and active Army, having served in both Gulf wars. 1Sgt Soucy will be assisted by Specialist Jordan Richard, a five-year member of the Guard (also a war veteran) and Private First Class Kyle Murcin. Their ‘instrument’ will be a 1941 75mm pack Howitzer which was used during WWII. Today, the Guard uses this Howitzer for various ceremonies throughout the state – however, this is the first time it will get to “sing with the band”.
In preparation for the event, the soldiers recently met with band members at Gorham High School to practice for the finale. When asked if he had any musical ability, Soucy stated that “the only thing I can make sing are weapons systems!” He should have no problems with that!
Of course, all of this would not have been possible without the help of Maine’s Adjutant General, Major General John Libby, who responded quickly to the POPS request for assistance and assigned Lt. Colonel Jeff Squires to the task. Colonel Squires worked with board members over the winter to prepare for the event.
Kingfield beware, there will be loud noises coming your way – come and witness something very special as the 7th Annual Kingfield POPS provides an appropriate kick-off to the Summer 2009 season!
The day begins with a Road Jam 10K Road Race and Fun Walk for Kids at 9 a.m. through the beautiful valley in Kingfield.
The POPS is also sponsoring a day-long arts festival downtown with live music and over 40 artists and artisans which opens at 10 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m.
Tickets are available at Camden National Bank locations, Tranten’s Market in Kingfield and Farmington, Mickey’s Hallmark in downtown Farmington, Comfort Inn and Suites of Farmington/Wilton and at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce in Farmington. For more information or to place credit card orders, visit the POPS website: www.kingfieldpops.com or call the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at 207-778-4215.
Lorna Dee Nichols, Executive Director
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
'The Heart of Maine's Western Mountains'
248 WILTON ROAD, FARMINGTON, ME 04938
207.778.4215 / fax 207.778.2438
www.franklincountymaine.org
Everyone knows that the Maine Army National Guard is prepared to meet any challenge presented to them. But when these soldiers were asked to perform as percussion soloists with an 80-piece band and, “oh by the way – your instrument will be an army cannon”, they accepted the challenge without hesitation.
They will represent the MEANG at the 7th Annual Kingfield POPS evening concert on June 27 in Kingfield, providing ‘extreme percussion’ during the 1812 Overture performed by the Casco Bay Concert Band. In years past the POPS has used local ‘extreme percussionists’ to simulate cannon fire at the end of the Overture to great success. This year the POPS will have the ‘real McCoy’.
Meet First Sergeant Stephen Soucy – he is the Senior NCO in charge of the 488th Military Police Company stationed out of Waterville, Maine. Soucy is a 20-year veteran of the Maine Guard and active Army, having served in both Gulf wars. 1Sgt Soucy will be assisted by Specialist Jordan Richard, a five-year member of the Guard (also a war veteran) and Private First Class Kyle Murcin. Their ‘instrument’ will be a 1941 75mm pack Howitzer which was used during WWII. Today, the Guard uses this Howitzer for various ceremonies throughout the state – however, this is the first time it will get to “sing with the band”.
In preparation for the event, the soldiers recently met with band members at Gorham High School to practice for the finale. When asked if he had any musical ability, Soucy stated that “the only thing I can make sing are weapons systems!” He should have no problems with that!
Of course, all of this would not have been possible without the help of Maine’s Adjutant General, Major General John Libby, who responded quickly to the POPS request for assistance and assigned Lt. Colonel Jeff Squires to the task. Colonel Squires worked with board members over the winter to prepare for the event.
Kingfield beware, there will be loud noises coming your way – come and witness something very special as the 7th Annual Kingfield POPS provides an appropriate kick-off to the Summer 2009 season!
The day begins with a Road Jam 10K Road Race and Fun Walk for Kids at 9 a.m. through the beautiful valley in Kingfield.
The POPS is also sponsoring a day-long arts festival downtown with live music and over 40 artists and artisans which opens at 10 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m.
Tickets are available at Camden National Bank locations, Tranten’s Market in Kingfield and Farmington, Mickey’s Hallmark in downtown Farmington, Comfort Inn and Suites of Farmington/Wilton and at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce in Farmington. For more information or to place credit card orders, visit the POPS website: www.kingfieldpops.com or call the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at 207-778-4215.
Lorna Dee Nichols, Executive Director
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
'The Heart of Maine's Western Mountains'
248 WILTON ROAD, FARMINGTON, ME 04938
207.778.4215 / fax 207.778.2438
www.franklincountymaine.org
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