Family fun at Pops event

The Sierra Philharmonic League will present its 23rd annual Pops in the Park at 5 p.m. July 4 at the Orchard House, 188 Carson St., two blocks south of Mormon Station in Genoa.

The free event offers a chance for family fun. People can bring their own picnic lunch or buy it at the Genoa Country Store, which will be open all day with barbecue and other goodies. The league will sell wine, water, and beer, as well as patriotic souvenirs and their own 2006 Pops in the Park T-shirts.

More than 200 items for children and adults will be offered in a silent auction, including original artwork and vacations in Hawaii, Colorado and Utah. The auction will begin at 1 p.m.

Violinists from the Garden Valley Violin School will perform from 1 to 4 p.m.; a petting zoo with 10 instruments and instructor are scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m.; and clowns will paint faces and make balloon sculptures from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The main event is the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra playing a variety of patriotic music with Maestro Barry Jakowsky conducting.

The league's total budget this year was $32,000. People are encouraged to start considering their tax-deductible contributions. Help is needed during the day of the event and afterward. To volunteer call Bill Bandes at (775) 588-7686 or Brenda Robertson at (775) 267-2403. Donations may be sent to Sierra Philharmonic League, P.O. Box 234, Genoa, NV 89411.