Support the Republican Newspaper! It’s only $9.95/year for the online edition!
Nov. 25, 2010
The 12th annual Joy of Christ Celebration is scheduled for Monday–Friday, Dec. 6–10, at the Oakland Community Center. This event is free to the general public, and each evening features multiple Christmas-themed performances by local, regional, and national artists.
“There’s no excuse for not coming,” said event organizer Paul Browning, “as admission, a meal, children’s activities, and even the performers’ albums are provided by sponsoring businesses and churches.”
The goal of the event is to provide the community with a non-denominational break from the commercialism of Christmas by focusing on the birth of Christ through free concerts, activities, and community interaction.
There will be at least three concerts each evening. (See schedule.)
Among the groups will be the Garrett Highlands Pipes & Drums. The band has been performing in concert and parade for over 30 years throughout the region.
“You are invited to attend and learn why it is believed that the shepherds at the time of Jesus’ birth may have played bagpipes,” Browning said.
Frostburg State University professor Dr. Greg Latta, a multi-instrumental-ist and singer/songwriter, will also perform. He is an award-winning banjo player, a three-time winner of the Mid-Eastern U.S. hammered dulcimer champion, and two-time runner-up in the National Hammered Dulcimer Championships held at Winfield, Kansas.