

Despite some rain showers at the start of the concert, the Third Annual Stars and Stripes Spectacular went off last night with no glitches. And it appeared that the last minute cancellation of the Fourth Fireworks did not keep many people away from the Fifth Fireworks as well. The Eastern Promenade appeared as packed as it always is.
This year the Patriotic Pops Chorus, a/k/a The Magic of Christmas Chorus, joined the Portland Symphony Orchestra, directed by the personable Robert Moody, in a number of patriotic songs before the fireworks and during them. The program even allowed time for a Christmas Carol by the chorus. A combined rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” was a highlight of the night. Less “razzle dazzle” than previous years was an improvement over past years.
The fireworks were shot off from a barge in Casco Bay right behind the stage. They started at precisely 9:20 pm and coordinated with the last note of “The 1812 Overture.” They ran until 10:00 pm with a magnificant grand finale. That was followed by a blast of approval from boats in the Harbor.
For more background information, please visit Post # 1,130, dated 5/1/12.