Smart Talk: Latest on U.S. Women’s Open; Paragon Ragtime Orchestra

What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, July 2, 2015:

The U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship at the Lancaster Country Club July 6-12 is being called the largest community event in Central Pennsylvania history. Considered the world’s premier women’s golf championship, the tournament includes the best professional and amateur female golfers from around the world.

Michelle Wie is the defending champion and will play in Lancaster to defend her title.

For Lancaster and surrounding communities, an event of this size could bring in an estimated $25-30 million dollars. While local tourism and hospitality businesses will benefit, the community in general will be deeply involved in coordinating of the championship itself. Over 60% of vendors for the event are local businesses from Central Pennsylvania.  In addition over 2,200 locals have registered as volunteer workers.

The tournament’s director Barry Deach appears on Thursday’s Smart Talk with the latest information about the U.S. Open.

 Also, one of the premier performing groups for popular American music of the early 20^th century is headquartered in Lewisburg, PA.  The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra has been recording since 1985 and performed throughout the country.

On Smart Talk, WITF Arts and Culture reporter Cary Burkett talks with the orchestra’s founder and director, Rick Benjamin.