[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 111 (Wednesday, July 16, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING THE LANCASTER FESTIVAL ON ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. STEVE STIVERS

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2014

  Mr. STIVERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Lancaster 
Festival on its 30th Anniversary.
  The Lancaster Festival has the mission of celebrating the artistic 
creativity of all cultures and serves as a foundation for year-round 
community efforts to promote participation in the arts. The festival is 
committed to encouraging the growth of the Lancaster Festival Orchestra 
as the cornerstone of classical music programming, as well as 
supporting and providing visibility for local artists, being all-
inclusive in the appeal to the community, and being an advocate of arts 
education for children.
  On August 5, 1984, The Columbus Symphony Orchestra played its first 
concert held at Ohio University-Lancaster's outdoor auditorium. The 
Lancaster Festival was first held in 1985, lasting eight days and 
including multiple concerts from The Columbus Symphony Orchestra and a 
full week of community arts and music events. By 1987, The Columbus 
Symphony Orchestra withdrew from the festival and Maestro Gary Sheldon 
was hired to create the Lancaster Festival Orchestra.
  Today, the Lancaster Festival has gained increased recognition 
throughout the state for its excellence in promoting the arts. Over the 
years, the festival has expanded and today it lasts 10 days, and 
includes a wide variety of art and music events, including two feature 
performances by major music artists and the orchestra. Additionally, 
Maestro Gary Sheldon has continued to serve as the Artistic Director 
for the festival and as the Conductor of the Lancaster Festival 
Orchestra.
  Throughout its 30-year history, the Lancaster Festival has been 
unwavering in the promotion of arts in our community. I would like to 
thank all those involved with the festival for their dedication, as 
well as offer my congratulations on reaching the 30th Anniversary 
milestone.

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