Director Chuck Kobb of Akron, an accomplished musician and orchestra director of many years, will conduct the Firestone Symphony Orchestra in a free concert Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park. The public is invited. (Submitted photo)

The Firestone Park restoration by the Restoration and Beautification Committee of Columbiana is in its final year with one project pending. We hope to have the Senior Courts completed in early 2024. In the meantime, another group, the Columbiana Athletic Boosters, is in the midst of fundraising for the replacement of the football stadium, and another independent committee has been formed to address the need for a new playground. The needs are growing and, although much has been accomplished, it’s a big park for a small town, and Harvey and Idabelle Firestone were quite inclusive in their generous gift. It is rewarding to see the community stepping forth to meet those needs.

The First Anniversary

of the Dedication of the Park’s Restoration

The Idabelle Firestone Gathering Place and Garden is in place and has had a couple of special events already. It is available for rental by calling the park office for dates and fees. In keeping with the R & B Committee’s pledge to make the Gathering Place a living memorial for Mrs. Firestone, an independent group has initiated a special event and a fall concert series to honor her legacy of music. Brenda Bradley, Rose Conrad and myself, through my family foundation, have developed “A Gathering in the Garden,” a program for Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Gathering Place, to celebrate the first anniversary of the dedication of the restoration, as well as to introduce the town to a series of concerts featuring accomplished musical groups from throughout the state and performances by local talented student musicians. The intent is to establish ongoing musical events yearly to remember Idabelle Firestone and her music and to support the careers of developing musicians. In doing so, her legacy will, indeed, live on.

A Free Magnificent Symphony

Orchestra and Film Premiere

This year’s introductory program on September 10th is special, in that it will feature the same symphony orchestra featured at the dedication in 2022, expanded to full symphony size of 48 instrumentalists, representing 25 different universities, symphonies and bands assembled especially for this anniversary dedication event! These professional musicians will perform a full program of Americana and Idabelle Firestone compositions. The concert will be followed by a premiere showing of a documentary by Josh Menning Films, “An American Legacy,” telling the story of the restoration of Firestone Park. The orchestra concert is free, with a request for donations following the performance. Invitations have been mailed to some of the attendees of the original dedication, but it is also open to the public. No need for RSVP or advance reservations. The concert is at 3 pm. In case of inclement weather, the audience is asked to attend the concert and film showing at the Main Street Theater. Up-to-the-minute relocation information will be available on facebook at Idabelle Firestone Concert Series or by calling 330-428-7563.

Meet the Performers

at the Free Fall Concerts in the Park

The Idabelle Firestone Fall Concert Series will take place every Sunday at 3 p.m. from Sept. 17 through Oct. 15 featuring Ohio groups and student musical scholars. Audience members will be invited to meet the performers inside the Gathering Place and learn about their training, choice of pieces, and careers ahead. This is all about the legacy of musical learning embodied by the Gathering Place and Idabelle Firestone’s example.

The groups performing every Sunday afternoon will include Suburban Brass on Sept. 17; Edelweiss on Sept. 24; Bravura on Oct. 1; Allure on Oct. 8; and Celtic Harps & Bagpipe on Oct. 18. In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will be held in the Grace Church Sanctuary.

As with the symphony orchestra performance, admission to the concerts is free with a request for donations, seating is provided (attendees are also welcome to bring their own chairs) and a shuttle from the free parking lot to the outdoor hilltop amphitheater will be available from the parking lot for those in need of assistance.

Visit Idabelle Firestone Concert Series on Facebook for information about the musical ensembles and professional musicians who will be bringing this virtuoso music to our community in the lovely Autumn beauty of Firestone Park!