Chattanooga Has Fun 2.5

After much debate, Chattanooga Presents announces Pops on the River will return to Coolidge Park on Saturday, July 3rd, from 8-10pm. Thanks to the last minute support of the city of Chattanooga and sponsorships from First Tennessee Bank, as well as Allied Arts and Integrity Automotive, Chattanooga will be able to continue its tradition of celebrating Independence Day with Pops on the River.

The event, held from 8-10 p.m., features a free outdoor patriotic concert by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera at Coolidge Park as well as a large fireworks display over the Tennessee River.

The CSO, directed by Robert Bernhardt, will present a program featuring patriotic pieces from Sousa and Tchaikovsky, as well The Armed Forces Salute and selections from Oklahoma, Star Trek Through the Years, and Sing Out America (sing-a-long). Local favorites the Dismembered Tennesseans will also perform a 15-minute set during the show.

The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a picnic during this concert and fireworks display. Food, beer and non-alcoholic drink concessions will be available on site. A rain date for the concert is scheduled for Sunday.

Coolidge Park will be closing to vehicular traffic at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the show. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy free parking in the UNUM parking lots between 4th and 5th Streets, where, beginning at 6 p.m., complimentary busses will shuttle passengers across the river, unloading near the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. Busses will pick up at the intersection of Tremont and River Streets to return attendees to the UNUM parking lots until 11 p.m.

Attendees may also park on the south shore of the river and walk across the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge to the performance in Coolidge Park. However, no one will be allowed to set up chairs on the center of the Walnut Street Bridge during the show.

In addition to the other corporate sponsorships, support for Pops on the River also is provided by Sunny 92.3 and the River City Company. Pops on the River is produced by Chattanooga Presents! For more information on the event, call 265-0771.