Aurora, Ont. celebrating 150 years with unique concert

One unique event is a concert featuring 150 stringed instruments performing together. (KC Colby / CTV Barrie)

The Town of Aurora celebrates 150 years this year.

One unique event is a concert to feature 150 guitars performing together June 30, 2013.

“Fun, that was my reaction,” says musician Patty McLaughlin, who was asked to head up the celebration. “What a way to celebrate Aurora’s 150th.”

While the group didn’t quite top 150 guitars – more like 50 – event organizer Mark Lavigne says they played three songs.

“With my math, that equals 150,” he says.

Guitarist Jeannie Tucker has her own band, and says this is the most guitars she’s ever played with. And she loves guitars.

Aurora Mayor Geoffrey Dawe even got in on the celebrations with Margaritaville.

“Wherever I show up, I’m asked to play Margaritaville,” he says. “I’m not so sure I should say that’s my signature tune but I love playing it.”

The town marked its official birthday Feb. 3, 2013 with a Mayor’s Levee in Aurora Town Park. Then the town celebrated May 5 with the Aurora 150 Tattoo – a marching band, drum and pipe performance.

Today, June 30, 2013, Canadian rock band Lighthouse performs at the Dance in the Park. Festivities are from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., with Lighthouse taking the stage at 9 p.m.