This member of the Big Spring Symphony Orchestra looks to the sky while performing, as a parachutist carrying a large American flag (not pictured) descends toward the crowd. (HERALD Photo/Thomas Jenkins)
 

People couldn't say enough good things about the much-anticipated holiday event. It had beautiful music, good organization and an amazing fireworks display. What's not to like?

Pat Simmons, founder of Keep Big Spring Beautiful, has been involved with Pops in the Park for eight years. She helps put up lights outside the entrance and greets people as they come in. She said her favorite part of Pops in the Park is the recognition of the veterans.

“I like the flag ceremony and the recognition of our veterans because that's really why we're here,” Simmons said.

Sheila Draper, of Ranger, stopped by on her way to visit relatives in Garden City. This was her first time to attend Pops in the Park.

“It was wonderful,” she said. “We've been to several in different cities and this is probably one of the better ones. It sure lasted a lot longer than most of the other ones. It was really good. I also liked the music that went along with it. It was all great.”

Another attendee, Kevin Stom, moved to Big Spring from Dallas two years ago and started coming to Pops in the Park after his move. He was enthusiastic about the event and said he liked “everything about it.”

For Eve Nieto, a resident of Big Spring, the best part of the night was seeing her son, Army Pfc. Paul Nieto, on the screen in the tribute to those fighting in Iraq. According to Nieto, her son is currently north of Baghdad.

She also remarked, “Pops in the Park is a wonderful event. It's such fun to attend, and the (Pops committee) worked really hard on it.”

Courtney Berringer, a 10-year-old from Big Spring, said that she liked all of the events of the night, but her favorite part was working at a booth for a local gymnastics team. She says that she attends all the time.  

When asked what her favorite part of the fireworks were, Heartley Best, age 3, replied, “The red ... and the purple.”