Pops Concert brings San Angelo and Goodfellow together

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Edwards
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
SAN ANGELO, Texas --  Thousands of spectators came to view the 26th annual Pops Concert and firework show at the Bill Aylor Sr. Memorial River Stage, July 3rd.

The Pops Concert is an annual July 3rd concert put on by the San Angelo Symphony to celebrate the independence of America and strengthen San Angelo and Goodfellow relations.

The San Angelo Community Band opened with several songs for the opening entertainment of the concert.

"Being here is fun and helpful," said Jacob Crandell, San Angelo Community Band bass clarinet player. "I get to perform and play music like I always love to do and it helps me prepare for school next year."

During the intermission, several key speakers for the concert including Dwain Morrison, San Angelo mayor and Col. Kimberlee Joos, 17th Training Wing Commander, addressed the crowd.

"Before I got here I heard the hospitality in San Angelo Texas was legendary," said Col. Joos. "I've been here for five weeks and I already feel like I'm home. On behalf of the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen of Goodfellow Air Force Base I would like to take this time to thank you citizens of San Angelo for your outstanding support we."

The San Angelo Symphony took the stage after the speakers took their seatsand played iconic songs from Hollywood movies along with military and American heritage songs.

During the first half of the concert, the Goodfellow Joint Service Color Guard presented the colors and 50 service members carried state flags representing the 50 states.

"I volunteered for this event because I got a good recommendation and it's a chance to give back to the community that loves us so much," said Airman 1st Class Alex Gargaoni, 316th Training Squadron student. "It's amazing how much San Angelo supports us and how far they would go for us. It's nice to see all these people come out and appreciate the things we do for them."

As night fell, the symphony played "The Stars and Stripes Forever" to a fireworks display reaching a finale crescendo to ensure the event went out with a bang.