Top Stories of 2022: No. 9 - Thousands attend Yuengling celebration, Lee Brice concert in downtown Pottsville

Dec. 30—Thousands of people crowded downtown Pottsville on July 9 for the inaugural Yuengling Stars & Stripes Summer Celebration, which featured country star Lee Brice.

A daylong festival with musical acts, vendors and other activities, the brewery's event drew an estimated 24,000 people, which ranks among the largest crowds in the city to date.

The festival culminated in a rollicking performance by the headliner, Brice, who played on a stage near the intersection of Laurel Boulevard and Progress Avenue.

Brice, who has released eight chart-topping country singles, performed several of his best-known songs, including "Memory I Don't Mess With," "Love Like Crazy" and "One of Them Girls."

"This is beautiful," Brice said during his performance. "Thank y'all so much for coming out."

Proceeds from the event went to Team Red, White & Blue, an Atlanta, Georgia-based nonprofit that assists veterans with their physical and mental health.

While Brice was the main star of the show, the event also featured local talent. Brice's performance was preceded by six Schuylkill County-based musical acts — Nick Tauer Band, The Margie Trick, Gleasons Drift, The Boys Upstairs, Sapphire and Cody Wiley.

Throughout the day, more than 50 vendors were set up on the festival grounds along Mahantongo Street, Progress Avenue and Second Street. Patrons shopped for the extensive selections of food, drinks and wares while nursing beers in festival-brand mugs.

"It was such a positive experience across the board, and the city did so much to make it happen," said D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. spokesman Paul Capelli.

Capelli said the event drew visitors from around the broader region, including from Bethlehem, Hershey and Reading.

He credited the event's military theme as a large part of its success. In addition to the connection with Team Red, White & Blue, the event also featured an enlistment ceremony that preceded the Nick Tauer Band's performance.

Before a crowd of thousands of people, four new members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard were officially sworn in by Brig. Gen. Edwards Little, assistant adjutant general, on the festival's main stage. The crowd was supportive and enthusiastic during the display, showing their respect for the armed forces.

"There was a strong presence of veterans and the military community, which was another part of it that gave it that American and strong patriotic feeling," Capelli said.

Looking ahead, Capelli said, Yuengling is considering hosting another event this coming summer.

While he did not reveal specific details, he said the company is "hopeful" it will conceive a follow-up to the Stars & Stripes festival. He added that the idea is still in development.

"We're working hard to continue what we can do to recreate it, and build on the momentum and excitement," he said.

Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085