July 3rd Pops Concert Brings Over 35,000 in Attendance

About 35,000 people came out to celebrate America's freedom Sunday in downtown San Angelo. The San Angelo Symphony’s July 3^rd Pops Concert is a long-standing tradition for San Angeloans, and when the gates opened at noon, many people made their way into the Bill Aylor Sr. Memorial RiverStage, as they do every year, to secure their spots for the the big event later that evening.

Manuel Flores attended the concert early because he was excited for the symphony that would be performed later in the evening. He said he enjoys band performances and playing music because he was part of his high school band.

Flores also said enjoys how the concert represents the 4^th of July, and the foundation for independence for all Americans.

San Angelo LIVE! surveyed participants, so they could explain what the 4^th of July means to them, and Flores said it's about freedom.

"A lot of men and women have given their lives for our freedom, liberty and justice for all," he said. "That is why I wanted to come pay my respects, and, at the same time, enjoy the day for celebration.”

San Angelo Mayor Dwayne Morrison also explained what he enjoys about Independence Day. He said getting to watch the fireworks and enjoying a steak that’s cooked on mesquite smoke is how he spends his holiday. It’s also about remembering America's birthday, which also represents Texas for being part of America.   

He believes the Pops Concert provides the atmosphere necessary to enjoy America’s birthday by listening to some great performances from the San Angelo Symphony and Community Band.

At the event this year, the City also honored Goodfellow Air Force Base for serving the San Angelo Community for 75 years. The commander at Goodfellow, Colonel Michael Downs, gave his thoughts on this special occasion.

“Today is the one year anniversary that my family and I arrived in San Angelo, and it’s been a blessing being here in the heart of Texas,” Downs said.

He gave acknowledgement that this July 4th marks the 240th anniversary of America becoming a nation. Downs said there have been close to 300,000 men and women who have come to San Angelo and served at Goodfellow.

After these acknowledgements, The San Angelo Symphony began to play various songs including America the Beautiful that featured Elizabeth Moss as a soloist.

After the introductory performance, the T-6 plane made its appearance and flew over the crowd of excited onlookers.

Flores said the T-6 flyover was exciting to witness, and he acknowledged Captain Ryan Gandy and Captain James Nussey for their service.

“That’s another thing I wanted to see, [and] to come and talk to the pilots.” Flores said. “I know they did a good job.”  

Both pilots grew up in San Angelo, and are Central High school graduates.

“It makes me excited to know that people from the neighborhood area go off and achieve greatness, like serving in the U.S. Air Force," Flores said. "It makes me feel proud of them.”

Claudette Molina has attended every Pops Concert since moving to San Angelo in the 1980s. She said she enjoys coming to witness her husband play in the Community Band, and looked forward to celebrating the evening before America’s birthday.

“The flyover is awesome,” Molina said “It’s really exciting, and makes you feel proud of [America's] military, and what they endure to keep us safe.”

Per tradition, the San Angelo Symphony ended their performance by playing classical songs along with the fireworks performance. All the people in attendance watched on with smiles on their face. This marked the 67th year for another successful Pop's Concert event.