And while she’s clearly pleased that $27,613 had been raised, Foundation President Jan Hansen and organizing committee chairperson, admits being a little concerned because time is running out to raise the $40,000 goal the committee has set, which is the approximate amount needed to stage the show.

“I still don’t want to make it sound like we’re overly concerned,” she said following  Thursday’s meeting. “But we have farther to go to meet our goal than I’d like, so we're again putting out a call for the community to help us. Of course, Big Spring has always come through with what we’ve needed. And I’m reasonably sure it will come through for us again.”

Capacity crowds have packed the amphitheater each year with thousands of people attending the Big Spring Symphony and Chorus’ concert and fireworks program, and the crowd always spills out into the park and even along U.S. Highway 87.

And Hansen says there’s no reason to think this year's crowd won’t be just as big or even larger.

In additon to the symphony and chorus’ performance, the show will be opened by young country singer-songwriter Maren Morris and her band, and bluegrass music from Jim Kay and the Kay Grassband.

“We’re always trying to expand the show, because we always want to make it bigger and better,” Hansen said. “Even while we’re working on putting this year’s show together, we look for things we can improve on next year. I think that’s one of the reasons the crowd has also continued to grow over the years.

“We’re planning on having a great fireworks show, and since we'll have a couple of different acts performing before the symphony takes the stage, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if we have the biggest crowd we’ve ever had,” she added.

But before all that can happen, the organizing committee has to raise the money it needs.

Donations making the concert and fireworks show possible come from local businesses and individuals, as well as corporate sponsorships. Hansen noted that’s why the organizing committee plans to open the gates free of charge.

“This is the everyone's celebration — that’s something we’re continually stressing,” Hansen said. “And that’s why we need the community to come through.”

Support for Pops in the Park comes from big and small donations.

Presenters for the show, which currently include the Big Spring Herald, the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce, the Big Spring Symphony, the city of Big Spring, KBTS, KBST AM and FM and the Cornell Companies, contribute at least $5,000 in financial or in-kind services.

Stars and Stripes sponsors donate $3,000 or more to the show. To date, the only Stars and Stripes sponsor is H-E-B.

This year the committee has two Texas Star sponsors, who have made $2,500 contributions.

Rocket sponsors, which donate $1,000 or more, to date include: Wal-Mart, Alon USA, Partee Enterprises, Porter Henderson Implement Comapany, the Worthy Company, T. Blackshear Interiors and Robinson Drilling of Texas Ltd.

“We know it’s been a difficult year for some of our donors, and some have been forced to roll back their contributions,” Hansen said. “I don’t think anyone has quit giving, but some of them just can give what they used to. And that’s another reason we really want to thank those who support us, no matter how they are able to contribute.”

While the committee has received the larger corporate sponsorships, it still depends on numerous smaller donations from businesses and individuals ranging from $10 to $500.

 “Pops in the Park is a time when all of us gather in the park and celebrate being Americans,” Hansen said. “Once again, though, I want people to know we still need the help to pay for this year’s show. So, whether you’ve been contacted by committee members or not, we’re asking for everyone’s support. We think it’s important to make sure we continue to have a quality show for everyone to enjoy.”

In additon to the fund-raising effort, Becky Crane is coordinating the list of businesses and organizations wanting to operate vendor’s booths during the show. She can be contacted at 267-5449 or at 517-0373. Vendor packets are already available at the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce offices.

Those interested in making a donation to the project can do so by contacting Debbye ValVerde at the Chamber at 263-7641 or mail them to the chamber office at P.O. Box 1391, Big Spring 79721-1391.

Contact John A. Moseley at 263-7331 ext. 230 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it