Picnic with the POPS Celebration is Rapidly Approaching

Bloomington, Indiana—The 16^th Annual Picnic with the POPS featuring "Friends, Family, Fun, Food & Fireworks!" will take place on Saturday, June 30 at the Ivy Tech-Bloomington campus.  Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert, featuring the Bloomington POPS Orchestra and chorus under the direction of Chris Ludwa, begins at 8 pm.  Ivy Tech is located on the corner of State Road 48 west and Daniels Way on the west side of Bloomington. 

This year’s musical program promises to enthrall young and old alike.  The concert begins with the children’s parade, a military color guard and salute to our armed forces.  The concert ends with a rousing performance of the 1812 Overture complete with cannons and a fabulous fireworks finale!  Featured artists include the award-winning Rise & Shine Cloggers and soprano Tracy Thomas.   There will be pre-concert music from Akento “Spirit of Freedom” Jazz Quintet and the Bloomington Community Band. Pre-concert activities will also include prizes for best table decorations, and a children’s area, sponsored by The Children’s Village, which will feature carnival games, craft activities and a magic show.

While picnickers are invited to bring their own picnic baskets, they do have the option of picking up a meal at the picnic from onsite vendors.  Special needs and handicapped areas are also available. There is plenty of parking and many of the organizations located close to the Picnic site are making their parking facilities available to picnickers for the day. 

Seating in the blanket area is $10 per adult, $5 for children 6 through 18 years old.  There is no charge for children 5 years and under.  Tickets can be purchased in advance of the event at all Bloomington Marsh supermarkets, O’Malias or via the POPS website, www.bloomingtonpops.org.  Tables of eight seats range from $150 to $200, with single table seats available for $20 or $25 each.

The Bloomington POPS orchestra has entertained its audiences for 16 years with light classics, lively programs and famous guest artists and conductors.  Membership of the Bloomington POPS Board and its committees is diverse and consists of community volunteers, employees from private and public organizations including local educational institutions, Indiana University and Ivy Tech.  More information about Picnic with the POPS can be obtained by calling the Bloomington POPS office at (812) 336-8747 or by visiting the Bloomington POPS website at www.bloomingtonpops.org