If you go
› What: Pops on the River› Where: Coolidge Park, 200 River St.› When: 8 p.m. CSO concert, 9:45 p.m. fireworks finale› Admission: Free› For more information: www.chattanoogapops.com
Organizers anticipate thousands of people coming to Coolidge Park for Chattanooga’s annual Independence Day celebration, Pops on the River, on Monday, July 3.
“This is the largest crowd we perform for every year,” says Kayoko Dan, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera conductor. “It’s an amazing event where the whole city gets together and enjoys music and independence.”
Entertainment starts at 5 p.m. with a tribute to veterans, featuring Operation Song. The group holds classes in which veterans relate their war experiences to Nashville songwriters, who craft those stories into songs.
“We are trying to get as many area veterans to our segment [as we can],” says Bobbie Standefer of Operation Song. “We are giving them a free CD signed by our Nashville songwriters if they come to the booth and check us out. They will enjoy the stories put to music.”