Enjoy the Weekend at Symphony in the Park

A couple months ago I wrote about one of the oldest and largest developed parks in Billings.  Pioneer Park has a lot to offer to people of all ages, and offers a wide variety of activities.  In that post I mentioned that there are numerous events that take place at the park, one of which is Symphony in the Park.  Well now is the time to get out there and experience it if you have never been!

 

On Sunday evening, June 24^th, Anne Harrigan will lead the Billings Symphony Orchestra as they get on stage and perform the 40^th Billings Symphony in the Park.  If previous years are any indication, this performance is sure to be amazing.  But the orchestral performance is not the only thing going on in the park that day.  This event is great fun for the whole family, and can begin early in the afternoon.

 

At around 4pm the show gets started with the instrument petting zoo.  This is a great time for kids to learn what the instruments are, how they work, and have a hands on feel for how each instrument performs.  Since it is getting toward dinner time, the food vendors are opening at this time too.  An hour later Rob Wells will lead the Billings Community Band, followed by another round of the petting zoo.  As the park starts to crowd up there is a contest for all the children to see who is the best young conductor out there.  Finally, at 7pm the symphony will start.

 

The program changes a little every year, throwing in some modern themes, such as this year we will hear a bit from the Lord of the Rings soundtrack, some classics like Tchaikovsky, and always including the salute to our veterans by playing the theme song from each branch of the military.  Regardless of what is played, the symphony executes the songs flawlessly and is sure to provide a rich cultural experience to everyone who attends.

 

The most important thing about attending this event is to get there early.  The park fills up quickly, and if you want to sit in the shade of the trees, you have to stake your claim sooner.   Since the forecast is for close to 100 degrees, you will want to get some shade.  Make sure you have plenty of water, and wear your sunscreen too!  You can bring your own food, or purchase some from the many different vendors (usually there is ice cream, on a hot day you will want ice cream).  Plan for spending several hours in the heat, and have a fun time with this free concert and great performance.

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