The 2016 Pops on the River Independence Day celebration will take place on Sunday in Coolidge Park, thanks to the support of the city of Chattanooga and ArtsBuild. This community event will feature a free outdoor patriotic concert by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera as well as performances from veteran songwriters with “Operation Song.” A large fireworks display is scheduled for its conclusion at approximately 9:45 p.m.
Entertainment will start at 5 p.m. with a special tribute to veterans, featuring Veteran War Stories Show by Operation Song. From 5-7 p.m., hear stories from veterans followed by a show debuting Operation Song’s new album showcasing songwriting from Chattanooga veterans and performed by professional Nashville musicians. For more information about the innovative therapeutic mission of Operation Song for veterans and its program in Chattanooga visit www.operationsong.org.
The Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra will begin their patriotic program at 8 p.m. featuring favorites such as the “Armed Forces Salute,” “Colonel Bogey's March,” “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “1812 Overture.” The symphony will be directed by conductor Kayoko Dan, and the program will feature a guest appearance by bluegrass band, the Dismembered Tennesseans.
The fireworks display, shot from the neighboring Renaissance Park, will begin immediately upon the conclusion of the symphony’s performance at approximately 9:45 p.m.
A variety of food, beer and non-alcoholic drink concessions will be available on site. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a picnic during the Pops on the River program.
Coolidge Park will be closing to vehicular traffic at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the show. There will be free shuttle service running from the Republic parking lots (previously owned by UNUM) between 4th and 5th Streets from 4:30-11 p.m. The lots are pay-to-park lots. Shuttle pickup and drop off on the north side of the river will be near the Chattanooga Theatre Centre at the intersection of Tremont and River Streets.
For more information on the event call 265-0771.