It was a very Merry Christmas in July on July 21 when The Philly POPS invited families of active military and first responders to celebrate the second annual Christmas in July press conference at the Kimmel Center. To set the holiday mood, the Voices of the POPS sang Christmas carols and Christmas-themed refreshments, such as candy cane shaped soft pretzels and Christmas sugar cookies, were provided to the attendees. Even Santa Claus paid a visit! The true highlight of the event, however, was the distribution of 100 brand new bicycles and helmets to the deserving children of armed forces personnel and members of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments. A stirring speech on a life of commitment to service by Maj. General Wesley Craig was followed by heartfelt remarks from Deputy Police Commissioner Richard Ross and Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer. Then, POPS President and CEO Frank Giordano announced to a very excited crowd of service families that it was time to receive their bikes, tucked under the patriotically-decorated Christmas trees. Even in July, the spirit of giving back was truly in the air as the children’s faces lit up upon collecting their bikes and helmets, each complete with a bow and personalized name tag.
The Press Conference formally announced the second annual invitation-only I’ll be Home for Christmas Spectacular-A Salute to the Military and First Responders on Dec. 4. As Major General Craig said at the press conference, “When you’re away-and I can say this from personal experience- you’re always thinking about home. You’re always thinking about coming home. When you hear the words of The POPS of ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas,’ it really hits you hard.” Thanks to the support of our event sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Miller Lite, The Philly POPS will again provide 2,000 complimentary tickets to the I’ll Be Home for Christmas Spectacular, distributed through the USO and the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments to members of the service community.
July 21st was also the on-sale date for single ticket sales to this most popular of the POPS’ concert series, Christmas Spectacular. Ten concerts are scheduled in this year’s series between December 4th and December 22nd. We hope to see you at our Christmas Spectacular concert series in December-it is an unforgettable musical tradition not to be missed. Be sure to secure your tickets today!
The Christmas in July Press Conference is also part of The Philly POPS Salute Series.
