"PSO" Directed by Robert Moody at Last Year's 4th "Spectacular"
By Carol McCracken (Post # 772)
The Stars & Stripes Spectacular that debuted on the Eastern Promenade last July 4th will be returning to the same venue this Monday, July 4th. Last year’s inaugural event drew around 60,000 spectators, with tens of thousands more watching the fireworks display from the shores of nearby towns and from boats on Casco Bay.
“There is no more spectacular sight than fireworks over Casco Bay,” said Jon Jennings, one of the four founders of the Stars and Stripes Spectacular and July 4th Portland Foundation, a nonprofit created to privately fund the celebration. “The inaugural event last summer was everything we imagined it could be and more.” Jennings, president of the Maine Red Claws, is one of the partners in the recently announced convention center – “The Forefront” at Thompson’s Point.
The Portland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Robert Moody, has been invited by the event organizers to again headline a free “Patriotic Pops” concert as part of the Stars and Stripes Spectacular. The concert is scheduled to begin at approximately 7:40 pm and will continue through the fireworks display overhead. Admission to the concert is free, with spectators welcome to view both the concert and fireworks from the Eastern Promenade lawn.
To help raise funds for the privately-funded event, a limilted number of reserved tables in front of the stage will be available for $1,000 for a table of 10 or $100 for an individual seat. Free parking near Ocean Gateway is available for those who purchase full or half tables and free transportation to and from the venue via the Narrow Gauge Railroad will be available to everyone dwho purchases a reserved seat. A buffet dinner will be provided by Famous Dave’s. Reserved seating may be purchased by calling Jana Spaulding at 207 – 233-4339. Please also see, www.july4thportland.org
For more information on last year’s First Annual Stars & Stripes Spectacular, please see Posts # 512, July 2nd and # 513, July 5th.