BRAVO!

The Cleveland Pops Orchestra and a couple thousand of their fans took over downtown Elyria Saturday night for the 2007 “Summer Pops in Elyria”.

People attending brought lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets and made a night of it enjoying the beautiful weather, the scenic view of the Orchestra back dropped by the old Courthouse and the company of fellow Elyrians and many visitors.

Karen Hull, her husband and three sons arrived early to claim a good spot in Ely Square. This is the first time for the Hull family and they were excited about the opportunity to see the Cleveland Orchestra in their hometown. “This is awesome. To have Cleveland come here to Elyria and in this setting, this is just great.” The three Hull boys were not dragged kicking and screaming to the event but they did have their game boys with them to kill time before the music started. “They are all looking forward to it, my oldest son is in the Elyria High School Orchestra so he really wanted to come.”

Noreen Williams and her contingent of Orchestra fans claimed the VIP Box in the Gazebo in Ely Square. Sitting in a circle they shared drinks, pizza, cucumber sandwiches, watermelon and Brocetta. Williams said that they have attended every year that the Orchestra has performed in Elyria. Nobody in her group would tell what time they arrive to be able to get the prime spot fearing that someone might slide in 10 minutes earlier next year and snag it up. Each member of the group agreed that this is something special that Elyria offers. “It’s nice to be able to enjoy a night out here in Elyria with friends and family.”

Judy Nedwick, one of the night’s coordinators, said that with the combination of the beautiful weather and the crowds pouring in early a successful night was no doubt. “What a gift that the sponsors of this event have given to the people of Elyria. Throughout this entire process whenever we would ask people for anything we never heard no.” Nedwick said that having Elyria host the Pops Orchestra in downtown puts pride in the city. “That is what we want to give our community, pride. We have a great city, great park, the fountain is going, all the people here tonight. It’s just such a great gift for the people of Elyria. All the time and sweat that we have all put into this event is very much worth it and there are a lot of people who worked very hard to make this happen.”

The night began with the Elyria Police Department Color Guard presenting, with precision, the American Flag while the Orchestra played the Star Spangled Banner.

The Orchestra, under the Direction of Mr. Carl Topilow, began with the theme from the NBC Nightly news then went into a medley from The Sound of Music. Being a regular viewer of the now canceled “West Wing” I hung my head while the Orchestra played the theme music from The West Wing. *moment of silence*

Continuing, the evening ended with the Orchestra playing the theme to The Godfather with Conductor Carl Topilow on Clarinet. The actual closing number however is the one that got the people up on their feet, clapping their hands and I even saw Lorain’s own Ann Molnar stomping her feet, was the traditional closing number; The 1812th Overture.

Bravo to the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Conductor Carl Topilow and to all those involved in bringing such an event to Ely Square each year.

Judy Nedwick wanted to make the following people were mentioned for their contribution in making tonight possible. Normally not something we like to do here on TMC NEWS but dang it, Judy is a Gold Card member so we have to. Kiwanis Club of Elyria, The Chronicle Telegram, First Place Bank, EMH Regional Healthcare System, Ely Estate, The City of Elyria, Elyria Charities Inc., Community Foundation of Greater Lorain County, The Lorain County Commissioners, Main Street Elyria, The Elyria Police Department, The Elyria Parks Department and Park Rangers, Elyria City Schools, First Congregational Church and the Lorain County Community College Stocker Center.

To see more photos: CLICK HERE