Pops at the Park returns for the first time since COVID-19

Blake Vickers, Richmond Register, Ky.
·2 min read

Aug. 27—After two years away due to the pandemic, Pops at the Park is returning next month.

A Richmond staple, Pops at the Park is an outdoor music event and summer tradition.

This year's event will be held at the Whitehall Historic Site on Sep. 10. Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the music will start at 8 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner.

According to Pops Board President and Madison County PVA Billy Ackerman, most attendees usually bring blankets to sit on for the event.

"We have actually had to cancel the event the last two years. So this is going to be a really good experience. We've had a whole lot of interest in it and expect a really good crowd," Ackerman said.

In year's past, the event was held in August, however organizers pushed back the date of this year's event.

"This is the first time we've had it in September, so we're kind of hoping that it might even just be a tad bit cooler than it is in the middle of August," Ackerman explained.

Seating plays a key role at the event, as the attendants who sit at tables often decorate them in elaborate fashion as part of a competition.

Ticket prices will vary.

Day-of tickets will be sold for $15 a person. Pre-sale blanket tickets are $10. Six person table tickets are $150, while eight person tables are $200.

Tickets can be purchased through the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and table tickets must be purchased through the chamber. Tickets are available now.

Each year Pops in the Park features a different theme.

This year's is Sun Records — the self-described birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll. The record label was the first to have signed Elvis Presley.

According to organizers, that early rockabilly sound will be the night's soundtrack as the Solid Rocket Boosters are performing for the event alongside the Sheridan String Quartet.

The music ends around 10 p.m. with a firework finale to follow. Ackerman said the event reminds him of the community picnics of old.

"It has always reminded me of what I would imagine an old time community picnic to be. You've got your music, you got some people there battling it out with the tables, then you've got others that are just there to mingle and visit with old friends and meet new ones," Ackerman said.