However, while members of the organizing committee were pleased to hear that about $32,000 had been raised, Foundation President Jan Hansen stressed that only a few days remain before the July 3 event and so far, not enough money has been received.

“We’re in a position we haven’t been in for a very long time,” she said following  Thursday’s meeting. “We knew that the economy effects lots of our donors, just like it's effecting everyone. So, from the outset this year, we're worked awfully hard to raise money. And, to be honest, I still think we'll meet our $40,000 goal. That’s because Big Spring has always come through with the money needed to do this and I believe it will again.”

Crowds pack the amphitheater each year, with between 10,000 and 12,000 attending the Big Spring Symphony and Chorus’ concert and fireworks program, and the crowd always overflows into the park and along U.S. Highway 87. As big a crowd or even larger is expected for this year's show.

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 again expanding the show, because we always want to make it bigger and better,” Hansen said. “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, so I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if we have the biggest crowd ever.”

But before all that can happen, the organizing committee has to raise the final few thousand dollars it needs.

Donations making the concert and fireworks show possible come from local businesses and individuals, as well as corporate sponsorships. They also make it possible for the organizing committee to open the gates for all comers 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, which contribute at least $5,000 in financial or in-kind services.

Stars and Stripes sponsors donate $3,000 or more to the show, and they include H-E-B and KBYG.

Rocket sponsors, which donate $1,000 or more, to date include: Walmart, Alon USA, Partee Enterprises, the Worthy Company, T. Blackshear Interiors, Porter Henderson Implement Company, TLC Property Management, Robinson Drilling of Texas Ltd. and the Howard County Volunteer Fire Department..

“We really want to thank everyone who has made a donation, no matter how much they are able to contribute,” Hansen said, noting that the committee has received 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 join our neighbors in celebrating that we’re Americans,” Hansen said. “But we still need a little help to pay for this year’s show. So we’re asking everyone who can to respond. We think it’s important to make sure we continue to have a quality show for everyone to enjoy.”

Those interested in making a donation to the project can do so by contacting Debbye ValVerde at the chamber of commerce 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