Picnic with the POPS returns for its 13th Fourth of July celebration

A tractor pulling a wagon filled with people decked out in red, white and blue pulled up to a field packed with picnicking people dressed in their all-American best. \nAt first glance the scene is reminiscent of a traditional, old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration, complete with a bandstand and picnic blankets to lay on while staring at the sky above, which will later explode with color during a fireworks display. \nIf it weren’t for a woman yielding a walkie-talkie buzzing by in a golf cart and kids scaling an outdoor rock climbing wall, it would be easy to feel transported to another time where scenes like this were a common summertime affair.\nBut, it’s June 28, 2008, and Bloomington’s Picnic with the POPS, is about to commence. \nThe picnic, which is the biggest annual event and fundraiser for the Bloomington POPS Orchestra and Chorus, began in 1996 on IU’s old soccer field. The event has grown to attract between 3,000 to 4,000 attendees. \n“It’s our biggest event of the year,” said Mayer Maloney, president of the Bloomington POPS Orchestra and Chorus. “When they think of the POPS, they think of this event.” \nGeneral Manager Kathleen Romy said the idea behind “Picnic with the POPS” was inspired by a visit to Lexington, Kentucky where a similar event took place.\n“We asked ourselves, ‘would people come to something like that?’ and by golly they did,” said picnic committee chair Mike Walsh.\nNow Picnic with the POPS has grown into a Bloomington tradition.\n“It’s the independence day event in Bloomington,” Romy said.\nBesides sitting on blankets in traditional picnic fashion, eight-person tables could also be purchased at varying prices.\nPrizes were awarded to the best decorated tables, and some took the challenge more seriously than others. \nA table that won in last year’s contest returned with the theme of “wedding” because a couple at their table was married last week. The newlyweds changed the date of their honeymoon in order to attend this year’s concert and take advantage of the free table they won last year.\n“We’ve been coming since the ’90s, it’s nice being outside in the beautiful weather with friends,” said “bridesmaid” Cheryl Paul. “And we’re good at coming up with themes.”\nAlong with enjoying the evening with friends and family, the event is a chance for the Bloomington POPS Orchestra and Chorus to share their music with Bloomington.\n“This is the signature event for the POPS,” Maloney said. “I hope it means another opportunity for great-quality first-class musical entertainment.” \nThe concert featured men’s accapella group Straight No Chaser and Jazz trumpeter Pat Harbison, who played a Louis Armstrong medley with the orchestra. \n“Bloomington is a town rich in artistic talent,” Maloney said. “This is just another part of that quilt.”