Pops in the Park celebrates 25th year

Magiko's crescendo, the annual Pops in the Park in Mormon Station State Historic Park on Friday is celebrating its 25th year.

While organizers don't charge for the Reno Philharmonic's performance, Sierra Philharmonic League spokeswoman Brenda Robertson said it costs organizers $32,000.

"We don't charge an entry fee, but we do pass the basket around," Robertson said. "We have several fund-raisers, including a silent auction with more than 200 items."

Robertson said Audrey Sim is in charge of preparing gift baskets for the silent auction.

"She does an excellent job," Robertson said. "They're wonderful."

Pops in the Park brings an estimated 3,000 people to Genoa. People start setting up early for the concert and events start at 1 p.m.

Robertson said broadcaster John Tyson will narrate Aaron Copland's "Lincoln's Portrait" followed by Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture."

Face painting and balloons will be supplied by Doc-O and Squeeky the Clowns. A petting zoo of percussion instruments, strolling musicians, a quartet from the Chorus of the Comstock, the Gairin Celtic Singers and Carson City Chambers Singers will be part of the pre-show.

Sacramento Opera Artistic Director Timm Rolek is the conductor for this year's event. Rolek serves as artistic director for the Lake Tahoe Music Festival. He debuted in May 1999 with the Nevada Opera.

Organizers ask those attending Pops in the Park bring low-back chairs so they don't block the view of the orchestra.

"It's a wonderful family event," Robertson said. "Our kids come from Santa Cruz to attend."

Festivities begin at noon, with park activities starting at 1 p.m. Concert preliminaries start at 4:15 p.m. and the music begins at 4:30 p.m.

Don Edwards and Anne Phillips served as co-chairs of the effort this year.