Sometimes ideas turn out to be pretty good.

And then there are times when they turn into something much, much better.

That’s what happened 50 years ago when the Carbon County Bicentennial Committee saluted America’s 200th birthday by producing a patriotic touring show.

The production was targeted for major stages in the county, from Weatherly to Palmerton and everywhere in between.

The committee worked with the Curtain Call Players to come up with what became a special version of “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown.”

The leasing firm, Tams-Witmark, allowed the show to be specially adapted to honor America’s bicentennial.

For instance, Peppermint Patty tap-danced to “You’re A Grand Old Flag.”

The American flag itself made surprise appearances, and Linus did a sketch in which he pretended to be George Washington addressing the troops.

To get the ball rolling, organizers issued a call for auditions throughout the region. Interest ran high.

Which folks would win the roles of the Peanuts characters of ’76?

When stage lights finally powered up, the performers represented the entire region.

Lucy Van Pelt was portrayed by Pittsburgh native Gail Marks Smith of Jim Thorpe, substitute teacher in Jim Thorpe and Lehighton area school districts.

Charlie Brown was in the capable hands of Bill Bynon of Mahoning Valley, music educator at Panther Valley High School.

Lovable dog Snoopy came to life in the form of John Rajnic of Coaldale, former actor at Lakewood Musical Playhouse.

Peppermint Patty was handled by Judy Martini of Hazleton, former Lakewood Playhouse performer and member of New York’s Choreographers and Composers Theatre.

Studious Schroeder was portrayed by thespian George Miller of Tamaqua. He was director at Pennsylvania Playhouse, Guthsville Playhouse and former student of the Actors Studio of New York.

As for serious Linus and his comfort blanket, I was lucky enough to win that role.

Music was coordinated by keyboardist and educator John Melley of Tamaqua, who’d been featured at the New York World’s Fair. The show also included a percussionist and xylophonist.

Hairstyles were provided by Leonore Chioffe of Hazleton. The show’s road manager was veteran Lehigh Valley performer R.P. Buffton of Nesquehoning.

It seemed everyone involved shared two things in common: They came with significant experience in the arts and had local ties.

The show played to enthusiastic crowds and proved so popular that the county exported it to venues unplanned.

“We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you,” announced the Honorable Albert U. Koch, committee chair, with Agnes T. McCartney and John Connelly, co-chairs.

And enjoy it they did.

The humorous, fast-paced comedy garnered more rave reviews at stages in Luzerne and Schuylkill counties.

In fact, the production crew joked that they had literally hit heights when the show was featured at the large performance hall of Hazleton Senior High School, “The Castle,” in the city’s Heights section.

The city declared it “Our Bicentennial Show.”

After the final production in late 1976, the cast and crew were feted at a party at Scrafford’s Inn, Hometown, and presented with gifts from a grateful Carbon County Bicentennial Committee.

A simple idea intended for one specific area had morphed into a large-scale production celebrated throughout the region.

Best of all, America 200 was honored in a special way.