I have an absolute favorite thing to do in Charlotte. And, I thought about not mentioning it on this blog. Gasp. I have to fight for my space at this event the way it is, and I really don’t see myself getting up any earlier to reserve my spot. But…. I thought it only fair to share this with the rest of you. What goes around comes around, and I’m sure you will all let me in on your favorite things now.
So, here goes. It’s Pops in the Park and there’s one left this year. Pops in the Park is held at the outdoor amphitheater behind South Park Mall for four Sunday evenings in June. There is always a prelude that starts around 7pm and the symphony plays around 8:15 until 9:30 or so. People bring picnic blankets and baskets, wine and cheese, and all their picnic finery. I’ve collected mine over the years, just to use it these four days of the year.
A few things to know before going: to get the best spot, you have to reserve your space that morning. You can’t officially lay out tarps until 8 am, but people go earlier, set out their tarps and wait until 8am to leave. To hold down your tarps, you can’t use stakes, but people use things like canned goods and water bottles. The more expensive your weight, the less likely it is to be taken. People won’t feel bad about taking your chicken soup, but they’d hate to take your nice paper weight. Regular chairs are frowned upon, but the low beach chairs are perfectly acceptable. There are port-a-johns at the event, but they aren’t any nicer just because you’re in South Park. Oh, and if you run out of booze or food (or booze), they sell it there too.
And one more admission on my part – there is a Pops in the Park every year the night before the 4th of July (so that would be the 3rd…). Not only do you get a prelude and the symphony, you also get fireworks. This does up the ante for tarp space. So, you have to get there really early. If you go, let me know! I have a few tarps for you to put out! 🙂
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