By Shelley Smith
ssmith@salisbrypost.com
SALISBURY — Tracy McMillin has enjoyed Pops at the Post with more than 50 close friends and family since it started seven years ago,
They parked a car in the usual spot to mark the rallying point for the festivities at 7 a.m. Saturday. It was the first vehicle in the lot.
By 1 p.m., McMillin and others waited in line to bring in everything else, including tables — complete with tablecloths and a flower centerpiece — and lots of food.
When the baton dropped, McMillin was among the thousands who enjoyed the Seventh Annual Salisbury Symphony Pops at the Post Saturday evening.
Director David Hagy led a program including fan favorites, such as music from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Harry Potter” movie and, excerpts from “West Side Story.”
“We come every year and we have a huge group,” McMillin said. “Everyone looks forward to it.”
Kelly Seamon of Rockwell made Saturday’s show her second Pops experience, bringing her family and children.
“We like just hanging out with family and listening,” she said. “And it’s good for the kids.”
Abby Seamon, 18, said she enjoyed talking to people, and likes the music.
“You come out and everyone’s good, talkative,” she said. “Everyone talks to you. And the music is relaxing.”
Brittany Livengood of Salisbury High School’s JROTC was serving free Cheerwine with fellow JROTC members, and was experiencing her first Pops at the Post concert.
“I just like helping out,” she said. “People do this to help bring Salisbury to life.”
Greta Compton of Salisbury picked a spot in the front under a tree, and enjoyed the concert so much last year, decided to come back again.
“It was so great last year,” she said. “I just like the fact that it’s very family oriented and these people take the time out of their busy schedules to perform.
“And the atmosphere is very light-hearted.”
Wayne Dalton and his daughter, Allison, enjoyed their first concert this year. His wife, a school teacher, decided to stay home and work on end of the year things, but he says he’ll convince her to come back in 2012.
“On a nice evening like this, with a cool breeze, she would enjoy it,” he said. “This is relaxing, and it’s good to be out with people. I think it’s a good thing that the city of Salisbury is doing for the community.”
Dalton said the concert with his daughter had been a “nice evening together under the stars.”
Zavia Rudisell, 14, played the trumpet and percussion at West Rowan Middle School, and said her favorite part of the evening was the music. Her sister, Vivien, 11, also enjoyed the music and “just sitting out here,” she said.
But their brother, Adrian, 9, said the music was “okay,” and enjoyed the water misting tent the most.
“It feels hot outside and the mist cools you down and you can relax,” he said.
The Salisbury Swing Band warmed up patrons’ ears before the symphony began. Also featured during the concert were Robert and Tara Von Geons and the Salisbury Ecumenical Choir.