Zachary Grant Band Rings in New Year
By Darlene Tise, Contributing Writer Looking for a New Year’s celebration close to home? Look no farther than Dever’s Creek Park in Ganado!
The Ganado Community Development Corporation will sponsor a “New Year’s in the Park” celebration on Dec. 31. The event will feature Ganado High School graduate Zachary Grant Petrash and his newly formed Zachary Grant Band. The band will play Red Dirt and Texas Country music to bring in the New Year.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the band will play from 8 p.m. to midnight. The event is free to the public but those attending must bring chairs. The GCDC asks that no one brings pets, glass containers or leave unattended children. The City of Ganado pavilion will offer a dancing area.
Band leader, Zachary Grant Petrash, son of Deacon Kevin and Angela Petrash, has been involved in the music industry for many years. In high school he played trombone and was part of a music ministry group named the Smalltown Servants which was led by Alan Vados. The band played at several church services in the community.
“Alan played a major part in my music obsession, and if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be playing music today,” said Petrash. “Alan passed away a few years ago, but I think about him every time I take the stage.”
Music has continued to be a huge part of Petrash’s life. He’s been playing publicly using the name Zachary Grant.
“I’ve had a few people ask why I go by my first and middle name instead of my first and last name, and the answer to that is simple,” said Petrash. “Grant is easier to say than Petrash, and I don’t have to worry about the awkwardness of people trying to pronounce my last name.
“We want to invite as many people as possible to come enjoy our music, because to be honest, 2020 has been one heck of a year and I believe we all need to celebrate that it’s finally coming to an end,” added Petrash.
Georgia Mae’s and Good Times BBQ food trucks will be on-site. Ice chests will be allowed, and the evening is listed as BYOB. A fireworks display will bring in the New Year at midnight.