News Release
SYRACUSE — The annual Patriotic Pops concert presented by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra is set for June 30 on the lawn of the Oakwood Resort Inn. The concert is the kick-off of Independence Day family gatherings and community events.
Earlier in the day at 4:30 p.m., Chautauqua invited Ben Franklin to discuss his role in creating the Constitution to a free event at the Wawasee High School, and a chance to win a $100 Ben Franklin. Then at 7:30 p.m., area residents gather bringing their chairs or a blanket to enjoy the free concert.
Prior to the concert, as a special treat Chautauqua has arranged for a face painter and balloon artist to be available at 7 p.m. as entertainment for children. They will be passing our free patriotic glow necklaces, small American flags to wave and the schedule music program.
The honor guard from Syracuse American Legion Post #223 will kick off the event at 7:30 p.m. The Fort Wayner Philharmonic led by Conductor Caleb Young will feature popular and well-known orchestral music to honor the American spirit of freedom and adventure.
The first featured music will be the “Star Spangled Banner” followed by the Star-Spangled Banner, then Leonard Bernstein’s “Overture to Candide” and three John Williams’ favorites “Olympic Fanfare,” “Tribute to the Film Composer,” and “Theme from J.F.K.” Other favorites include Alan Silvestri’s “Suite from Back to the Future,” George Gershwin’s “Cuban Overture,” and Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer”. The traditional Armed Forces Salute and other familiar music provides a great community salute to the start of Independence Day fun.
The concert is gratefully sponsored by: Steel Dynamics Foundation, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Chautauqua-Wawasee, Kenneth & Lela Harkless Foundation, Omer and Susan Kropf, Oakwood Resort, Floyd & Betty Lou Lancia, Judy Pursley, Kay and James Young and the Wawasee Property Owners Association.
In the event of rain, the concert will be held at the Wawasee High School.
