According to Arts Council Executive Director Chris Glatfelter, "We’ve shaken things up a bit this year and scheduled some new bands and entertainment plus plenty of options for families with children. And we’ve kept traditional favorites from past years. Everyone’s invited to join in this free community celebration."

From 7- 9 p.m., the Arts Council’s Arts Education Center at 125 South Washington St. will offer children’s arts activities, led by Ann Walsh. Create a musical instrument, enjoy craft projects, and make a funny hat, for children ages 4 through 12.

At 7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church at 30 Chambersburg Street will play host to Gettysburg Community Theatre’s "America the Beautiful." The concert features music made in the U.S.A. including country, New Orleans blues, 50's rock and roll, Broadway to Hollywood, as well as patriotic songs performed by students under the direction of the GCT Executive/Artistic Director, Chad-Alan Carr. Gettysburg magician Joe Kerrigan’s feats of magic will thrill at 8:30 p.m., with a community sing-along at 9:45 p.m., and Cormorant’s Fancy performing Celtic and seasonal tunes at 10:30 p.m. The church will provide hot mulled cider, refreshments, and a community worship service at 11:45 p.m.

At 7:30 p.m. the Majestic Theater will offer a free screening of Annie - The Movie, from the Broadway musical and based on the Little Orphan Annie comic strip, featuring Carol Burnett and Albert Finney. Reservations are recommended so visit gettysburgmajestic.org or call 337-8200 for tickets.

Wear a funny hat for the party on Lincoln Square where deejay Mark Purdy will start the tunes at 9 p.m. Winners of the 2012 Gettysburg High School Battle of the Bands, Shadowed Star will warm up the crowd at 9:30 pm. Band members include James Greeneltch, Brandon Glorioso, and Bryar Baum, all sophomores at Gettysburg High School, and Richard Miller, a junior at Fairfield High School.

The Willys - Bill Serfass, Dan Chase, Neil Ecker, Bill Mitchell, and Todd Mudd - take the stage at 10:30 p.m. The band’s repertoire has been described as classic rock and beyond, an eclectic mix of acoustic alternative, electric power pop, punk and straight out rock and roll. The band has opened for the Bacon Brothers and Blessid Union of Souls. The Willys have recorded five full length discs of original music, the latest titled "5." Downloads from the new disc are available at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/TheWillys .

Simply Shonna of Adventure in Fun will provide balloon art for kids in the Gettysburg Hotel lobby from 10 p.m. till midnight.

Mark Purdy will be master of ceremonies at 11:30 p.m. for the Funny Hat contest and countdown to midnight with Gettysburg Mayor William Troxell and vocalist Chad-Alan Carr who’ll usher in 2013 from the porch of the Gettysburg Hotel. The event culminates at midnight with a dazzling fireworks display over the square, sponsored by ACNB Bank.

For more information, visit the Arts Council’s website at www.adamsarts.org.

The mission of the Adams County Arts Council is to cultivate an arts-rich community. For more information about arts classes, membership, or programs, please contact (717) 334-5006 or aa@adamsarts.org.