By Joanie Morris
For the Salisbury Post
Saturdayís Pops at the Post concert is sure to be hot.
Not only are the Salisbury Symphonyís selections hot ó including a ěPirates of the Caribbeanî medley ó but Tony Sturey at the National Weather Center in Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C., forecasts temperatures to be hovering above 90 when the pre-show starts with the Salisbury Swing Band at 5 p.m.
ěSaturday is going to be very warm,î said Sturey. ěMostly sunny and 91 degrees with light and variable winds.î
The free, public concert takes place in the 100 block of South Church Street, with the symphony orchestra under the Salisbury Postís canopy and the audience setting up chairs and blankets in the parking lots across the street.
Sturey said the forecast shows temperatures hitting 91 at 4 p.m. and the mid-80s by the time the main concert starts at approximately 8 p.m.
Experienced concert-goers will tell you that the temperature drop makes a big difference. Previous concerts have taken place in temperatures just as hot or hotter. Besides, there are ample ways to stay cool.
Cheerwine will again offer free soft drinks in the First Bank parking lot, and vendors will be selling water bottles and other drinks and food by 4 p.m.
And the concert program comes printed on a fan.
Temperatures will cool off slightly by 9 p.m. to the low 80s, and by midnight to about 75. While there is always a chance of pop-up storms in the summer, forecasts are for a dry day.
In case the forecast should change, concert organizers plan to make a final decision today on whether to proceed with the outdoor concert or move it to Keppel Auditorium.
So far, the annual concert that started as a celebration of the Salisbury Postís centennial in 2005, has always been held outside.
Tailgaters can begin setting up in the Salisbury Post employee lot and the First Bank lot at 1 p.m. Tailgating spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis in the two parking lots. Once lots are full, they will be closed.
Joanie Morris is a freelance writer for the Salisbury Post. She can be reached at 704-797-4248 or news@salisburypost. com.