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Greencastle's Hobo Minstrels: 'Goin' Country'


GREENCASTLE - Volunteers from the Rescue Hose Company No.1  of Greencastle will present their 81st Hobo Minstrels season at Greencastle-Antrim High School March 10, 11 and 12.

This year's production, "Goin' Country," includes classic country songs and comedy and features Todd Roland and Benny Thomas as premier end-men in the Hobo Minstrels tradition.

Believed to be the longest running minstrel group in the United States, the first Rescue Hose Company Volunteer Minstrel began in 1929 and remains active with over 70 volunteers this year.

Attendees at this year's show can expect to hear favorites such as “I’m A Long Tall Texan”  by Larry Keener, “King of the Road” by Harry Gsell, “Elvira” by Tom Shook, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’ ” by Todd Roland, “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” by Ray Mowen Jr., “Take Me Home Country Roads” by Phil Oberholzer and “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Benny Thomas.

Chorus numbers will include “Ring of Fire,”  “Hey Good Lookin’'," “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Daddy Sang Bass,” “How Great Thou Art,” God Bless America," and more.

“The Bones” will be performed by The Wolfes.  Special solos will be presented by Bill Brown, Carl Fahnestock, Dave Reeder, the HOCO Quartet, and pianist Harrison Scott. Instrumentalists will include Harrison Scott, piano; Carl Fahnestock, banjo and guitar; Craig Wolfe, drums; and Durand Walter, bass guitar.

The production is under the direction of Ben Thomas Jr. with Interlocutor Dr. C. Gregory Hoover.

Proceeds benefit the Rescue Hose Company, providing fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the citizens of and visitors to the Greencastle-Antrim community since 1896.

In addition to the three shows, members will take the minstrels on the road to entertain the residents of Quincy Home on at 7 p.m. Friday, March 4, and their friends at Falling Springs NUrsing and Rehabiliatation Center at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5.

On Saturday evening, March 12, the Greencastle Rotary Club will host an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner from 5-7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Adult meals are $8, children 6-12 are $5, and children under 6 are free. Proceeds from the meal benefit Tayamentasachta Environmental Center.

When you go:

Rescue Hose Company's 81st Hobo Minstrels show

"Goin' Country"

7:30 p.m. March 10, 11 and 12

Greencastle- Antrim High School Auditorium

300 S. Ridge Ave., Greencastle

(front and back doors will be open)

Admission $5, 10 and under $3

Tickets at the door

For more infromation call the fire station, 717-597-8489, ext.111