President’s birthplace hosts free ice cream social on Independence Day | Arts & Culture

CINCINNATI (FOX19) - On Wednesday July 4th from 1 – 4 p.m., the William Howard Taft National Historic Site will host an Ice Cream Social with music by the Pete Wagner Band. The annual social will be held on the grounds of the birthplace and boyhood home of the nation’s 27th President and 10th Justice.

The Pete Wagner bands and combos have played thousands of wedding receptions, parties, and affairs entertaining many including five presidents: Kennedy, Nixon, Reagan, Bush and George W. Bush.  The band has performed alongside national headliners. Some of the many stars include Chicago, Faith Hill, Wayne Newton, Paul Anka, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Ritchie, Natalie Cole, Harry Connick Jr, Michael Buble, and Kenny G.

Paul Wagner, Pete's son, has guided the second generation of the band since 1986, and continued to broaden its experience by mastering Show tunes, Swing, Light Jazz, Blues, Irish, German, Italian, Jewish, and other ethnic types and tunes.  Visitors will enjoy a performance by this popular band and receive free ice cream.

A visit to the site includes a Ranger guided tour of his home, self-guided exhibits and an introductory video on Taft’s life and career. Tours of the boyhood home will be conducted throughout the day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All activities are free and reservations are not required.

Events begin at the Taft Education Center, located at 2038 Auburn Avenue, one block south of the Christ Hospital. Free parking is available in front of the education center or an overflow lot on Southern Avenue.  Call 513-684-3262 for accessibility assistance and information.  Driving directions and map as well as other useful information can be found at www.nps.gov/wiho .

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