The City is gearing up for the Target Symphony in the Cities concert Saturday, July 28. This “must-do” Mission Viejo ritual is the perfect setting for gathering with friends and family to enjoy an array of classical favorites and pop tunes under the stars. In its 8th year, this signature event is led by talented Musical Director Carl St. Clair.
The festivities kick off at 4 p.m. on the Village Green at Oso Viejo Park, 24932 Veterans Way, with a Parisian-themed “Prelude in Paris.” Folks will enjoy strolling along the “Champs-Élysées”; fun family activities for all ages; tasty home-style fare; gourmet food trucks; and more. Bones West, a talented brass band, will begin performing around 4 p.m. For game enthusiasts, chess will be played with dancers and audience members acting as live chess pieces on a giant chess board. A blindfolded chess master will play opponents, and all ages can enjoy free individual chess lessons.
At 4:30 p.m., a pre-concert “musical playground” for kids begins that includes a “conducting” clinic with Maestro St. Clair. Children ages 3-12 will have the opportunity to meet a musician, play a variety of musical instruments and make their own tambourine. All will enjoy interactive family activities; a mime, plein air painting demonstrations; storytelling; and “Abbit the Average.” The spectacular Pacific Symphony follows at 7 p.m.
A new exciting event on tap this year is the Waiters’ Race at 4:30 p.m. Local restaurant waiters will compete by balancing a fully loaded tray, including a wine bottle and two empty glasses while speed walking through a jam-packed crowd on the Village Green without dropping a thing. The competition will raise money for a good cause. Proceeds will benefit the Saddleback College Scholarship fund. The grand prize winner will receive $500 (sponsored by South County Lexus), with the second and third finishers receiving $200 and $100. Spots are still available. Click here for more information.
The event will also feature delectable fare including authentic Liege waffles; tasty Neapolitan wood-fired pizza; and mouth-watering pulled pork and tri-tip sandwiches. Aperitifs can be enjoyed in the Wine and Beer Garden hosted by the Mission Viejo Rotary Club.
Visitors to this popular outdoor event are encouraged to bring a canned or non-perishable food item to benefit the South County Outreach Food Pantry. Collection boxes will be located near the main entrance.
Before enjoying the bevy of activities, be sure to take part in the City’s inaugural Family Chess Extravaganza. The fun-filled chess tournament for all ages will feature folks from “Academic Chess” who will bring one of the world’s most popular games to life. Families and friends will have a blast pitting their wits in an exciting afternoon tournament that includes entertainment and complimentary snacks. All skill levels are welcome. Details are available by clicking here.
Bus shuttle service from the Mission Viejo Civic Center will be available from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and golf cart service and pedicabs will cart visitors from Newhart Middle School to the event.
For more information, visit www.cityofmissionviejo.org. To see footage from last year’s event, visit missionviejo.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=12&clip_id=637.
This is a spectacular event! We’ve double-booked our day and I’m SO SAD to miss all of the fun!