Concert will be dedicated to Bertha Mae Blechle and Eileen Gordon

Chester's annual Christmas Concert, held each year in conjunction with Christmas on the River, will be Sunday, Dec. 2 at Juergens Gym, Chester High School.

The Chester Municipal Band, under the direction of Steve Colonel, will begin playing at about 1:40 p.m., followed by the vocal concert at 2 p.m.

Mike Lochhead will be the master of ceremonies. Mike Lutz will be the sound engineer. The concert is being coordinated by Gwendy Garner.

According to Garner, the concert will be dedicated to Bertha Mae Blechle and Eileen Gordon, who originated Christmas on the River in Chester many years ago.

"Both women have worked very hard through the years to make it a successful event in Chester," Garner said. "I want to honor them for their untiring work on behalf of the community."

Performing at the concert, in addition to the Muni Band, will be Steve Colonel, Zeb Holder, Jennifer, Christine and Elizabeth McClure, first- through fourth-grade students from Chester Grade School and pianists Vicky Beers, Jane Kruse, Linda Gibbs and Janet Wicker.

"There may be one more surprise performance," Garner said. "We'll have to wait and see."

The public is invited to attend this annual event, which should provide outstanding performances. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the concert.