LEBANON — Country music star Marty Roe will be a little surprised when he returns to his alma mater Friday night.

        The usual won't surprise him. He'll find a large crowd for the home football opener and many interested in country music.

IF YOU GO

What: Lebanon Bicentennial Celebration    When: Friday through Sunday    Where: Downtown, Lebanon High School and the Lebanon Sports Complex    Other activities: Car show at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Colony Square Shopping Center on Ohio 63; Lebanon Theater Co. production at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Shoe Factory; fireworks 9 p.m. Sunday.

        But he's sure to think about what will happen before he sings the national anthem at the football game. The city will present the lead singer with a proclamation: Diamond Rio Day in Lebanon.

        “Marty went to high school here, and he has ties with the area,” said Karen Patton, the city's marketing manager.

        The biggest event in the city's recent history will climax this weekend with a performance by the country band, a downtown parade and other activities.

        The event is, of course, Lebanon's bicentennial.

        “We're pleased that we can coordinate Diamond Rio's performance with the Lebanon High School football opener,” said City Manager Pat Clements.

        The game will start 7 p.m. Ms. Patton said the concert will start at 9 p.m. at the Warren County Fairgrounds because “a lot of people who will go to the game would like to hear the band, too.” Fairground gates will open at 8 p.m.

        The Bicentennial celebration will continue at 10 a.m. Saturday with a parade in Lebanon's historic downtown. Opening ceremonies for the weekend celebration will start at 1 p.m. at the Lebanon Sports Complex on McClure Road. Visitors will find rides, food vendors and contests.

        The Lebanon Jazz Band will perform at 2 p.m.

        Other activities at the complex include performances of a 1940s-style swing band at 4 p.m., the Historical Dance Co. at 5 p.m., Mike Albert and the Big “E” Band at 7 p.m., and a balloon glow presentation at 9 p.m.

        On Sunday, a country battle of the bands will start at 1 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.

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