OLD TRACE PARK
RIDGELAND, MISSISSIPPI
MAY
WWW.MSORCHESTRA.COM
Every May in Ridgeland, Mississippi, the Mississippi Orchestra kicks off the summer with the annual Pepsi Pops on the Reservoir concert. The event brings in several thousand people, and it’s held at Old Trace Park, or “the Rez,” as it’s known locally. The gates open at 4:30 p.m. with a variety of children’s activities and several pre-concert acts on the main stage, followed by the symphonic pops concert presented by the Mississippi Orchestra.
Not only is this a wonderful time for music lovers, it’s also a fun event for serious picnickers. Even though there are food vendors at this concert, most attendees bring their own dinners. Some even compete in the annual picnic competition, which is judged on the best picnic design. You can expect to see a wide variety of picnic spreads ranging from simple sandwiches and chips to gourmet fare and themed dinners served on fine china. Regardless of your picnic style, you’ll be thrilled by the magnificent finale—a fireworks show after the sun sets, illuminating the sailboats over the water.