Free Concert, Food and Fireworks at 'Music in the Park'

Not only will the City of Johns Creek's second annual Music in the Park feature a free concert by the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, it will also include free food and the city's first-ever fireworks display.

"It's a true summer pops concert – the kind you find outdoors across the country," said Sue Haggerty, the orchestra's executive director. "You can bring your chairs, blankets, friends and family and park yourself there for the evening."

Visitors to the Newtown Park festivities on Saturday can also enter a picnic contest and take advantage of kids' activities at the family friendly event. 

Publix will provide free hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks, but if you are feeling adventurous, you can bring your own picnic and enter contests for "Best Americana Themed Picnic," "Most Musical Themed Picnic" and "Best Georgia Themed Picnic." Each winner will receive two concert tickets to upcoming symphony performances.

Haggerty said the finale will be a performance of "Stars and Stripes Forever," after which concert-goers, who will be given flags, will turn around to witness the city's inaugural fireworks display. "I'm honored, thrilled and proud that this is happening after the symphony's performance," she said.

Haggerty said last year's performance drew around 800 people, and that organizers are hoping for closer to 1,000 this weekend.

Music in the Park begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday at with children's activities and entertainment. The Beethoven Chamber Orchestra, a youth training ensemble, will take to the stage at 5:45, while the main event, the Johns Creek Symphony, will perform from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.