A patriotic and religious spirit will permeate tomorrow's annual Prayer in the Park of Carroll County, a community event in which participants of all denominations ask for God's guidance as families prepare for school.

"In light of 9-11, we asked what could we do that would be a more patriotic element," said Gary Grecco, event program director and executive director for Hampstead Youth for Christ. "It's not overkill, but it's going to be very tastefully done."

The event begins at 6 p.m. in Westminster City Park and will focus on prayers for the safety and success of the new school year. Republican Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, who represents Carroll and Western Maryland counties, will offer greetings, and a procession of American flags and the Westminster police color guard will follow.

Kathrin Koenig will sing the national anthem, and Westminster Mayor Kevin E. Dayhoff will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.