MIFFLINTOWN — Some winter days feel heavier than others, especially for families carrying more than the season’s cold. That’s why Harper’s Warriors is turning one February afternoon into something brighter — a gathering filled with music, kindness and the reminder that no one in this community has to face hardship alone.

The group will host its Winter Wonderland Concert on Saturday, offering neighbors a chance to come together for an afternoon that lifts spirits while lifting up families who need help the most.

The fundraiser will be held at the former CJEMS building, located at

47 CJEMS Lane in Mifflintown, inside the River Church Community Room. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., with music beginning at 2 p.m. A minimum donation of $5 per person is requested, with proceeds supporting Harper’s Warriors and its mission of assisting families navigating medical and financial challenges.

The event features a full lineup of local and regional performers, each donating their time and talent to the cause.

Meet the lineup of scheduled performers:

Kim Hart

Mifflintown native Kim Hart will open the event by singing the powerful and widely-recognized “The Lord’s Prayer,” which has been set to music by various artists including Hillsong Worship and Matt Maher. “The Lord’s Prayer” is a Christian prayer that Jesus taught his disciples, found in the Bible in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. Hart will return later in the benefit show to sing a duet with Gary Swartz, lead singer of Country Legend.

Carson Miller

with Jason Foster

Carson James Miller is nine years old and has a heart full of faith, music and big dreams. He loves God, his family and spending his time playing soccer, basketball, baseball and just being outside with friends and cousins. Miller began singing at church at age 6 and has since shared his voice at community events, especially during the holiday season. A huge fan of Jelly Roll, he also loves drawing and letting his creativity shine. When he’s not dreaming about becoming an artist, he’s dreaming about owning the stage just like his mom, local performer Amber Foose-Miller, a native of Juniata County. He will be joined on stage by his uncle, Jason Foster, accompanying him on electric guitar.

Make Mine Country

Composed of five accomplished musicians from Central Pennsylvania, this band draws their experience from vintage country crying steel guitar laden ballads, old upbeat rock and roll hits, some toe-tapping bluegrass songs and even some classic blues, heavy metal and punk tunes.

Jim Wilson, a member of the band on pedal steel guitar and vocals, passed away on Feb. 3 after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. Wilson was a well-known and deeply-respected musician, best known for his talent on the steel guitar. Jim’s wife Shelby, lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Make Mine Country, shared that a special rendition will be performed in Jim’s honor, followed by a moment of silence to remember his life, legacy, and love of music. Remaining members include Jody Shover on drums; Pat Aumiller on lead guitar and vocals; and Curt Nealman on bass guitar and vocals.

Ed Varner

A solo acoustic artist from Lewistown, 62-year-old Ed Varner plays music from the 1960s through ’90s, classic rock and some old country. Oh, and by the way, he never wears shoes. “It’s usually something that comes up when I play,” said Varner, a Mifflintown native. He’s very interactive with his audience and loves fan participation. Varner has played and sang in local bands in Central Pennsylvania since the mid-1980s, from hair metal and classic rock to pop and country and Christian rock. He went solo in 2018 and has been playing venues around the region ever since.

Payton Allen Kerstetter

A solo singer-songwriter, country music artist Payton Allen Kerstetter brings the strings and the stories. His debut album, “Vices,” came out in June 2020. Kerstetter plays the acoustic guitar and sings new, classic and original country music. Kerstetter has spent his entire life in Juniata County, he grew up outside of Richfield, graduated from East Juniata High School and now calls McAlisterville home.

Chris Ruble

Chris Ruble has been singing, playing and continuously fine-tuning his performance and piano skills since age 5 and grew up learning and loving all kinds of music, especially country. Now one of the most recognized, awarded and beloved homegrown artists in Pennsylvania. He writes and publishes his own music and has been singing professionally for years.

Bella Donna

Bella Donna is humbled and honored to help out a very worthy cause. A group of seasoned musicians from Central Pennsylvania that formed after the pandemic in 2020, Bella Donna consists of fan favorite Trisha Haubert on lead vocals; Ken Haubert, percussion; Joe Martin, guitar, keyboard and vocals; Scott Stewart, guitar and vocals; Todd Settle, bass and vocals; and Brad Zinn, sound production. With their powerful sound, killer stage presence and undeniable talent, this band knows how to put on a show. Their songbook includes music from the 1960s through 2000s, especially country, rock and pop.

Country Legend (AKA “The Cash Crew”)

When the five members of Country Legend stepped onto a stage for the first time in June 1990, they figured they’d play a few shows, have a little fun and see where the road led. They never imagined that road would stretch more than 30 years, carrying them from small town gigs to national songwriting honors and even a tour with late Tommy Cash, brother of the legendary Johnny Cash, who proudly renamed them “The Cash Crew.” The original lineup — Gary Swartz as front man and rhythm guitarist, Scott “Skippy” Ebright on drums, Rick Buck on lead guitar and Willard Leroy “Kingy” Hess on bass — quickly found a chemistry that set them apart. Hess, a beloved part of the group, passed away in 2018, but his influence remains woven into their story. Billy Engel stepped in to replace Hess.

Over the decades, Country Legend worked with the Children’s Miracle Network and earned recognition from Billboard, Music City Songwriting and ASCAP. Their biggest twist of fate came when Tommy Cash invited them to tour as his band. After decades of performing together, Country Legend officially retired in 2014 — closing the book on a run far longer, louder and more meaningful than any of them expected when they first plugged in back in 1990. This performance is a reunion of sorts.

The variety of performers promises something for everyone, from country and gospel to acoustic favorites and classic hits.

Concessions will be available throughout the afternoon, along with desserts provided by Natalie’s Sweet Lounge. Organizers hope the combination of live music, good food, and a welcoming atmosphere will draw families, friends, and neighbors together for a cause that continues to grow in impact each year.

Harper’s Warriors, founded to support children facing medical crises, has become known for its grassroots fundraising efforts and its commitment to easing financial burdens during difficult times. Their mission is to help families who have children with medical life altering medical events. Funds raised help cover travel, lodging, meals and other needs that arise when families must focus on caring for a loved one.

“Great music, sweet treats, and helping families who need it most — that’s what this event is all about,” the group shared in its announcement.

Everyone is encouraged to attend, bring friends and enjoy an afternoon of community and compassion.