Montanans across Big Sky Country invited to one of the largest free summer events in Montana

AARP Montana is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the 16^th Annual Intrepid Credit Union Symphony Under the Stars concert and fireworks show on Saturday, July 20 at 8:30 PM on the campus of Carroll College.

With this year’s theme of “Aretha – A Tribute to the Queen of Soul,” the Helena Symphony Orchestra will feature the award-winning music of Aretha Franklin, with guest artists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw. The evening culminates with one of the best fireworks shows in Montana.

Considered one of the largest free summer events in Montana, the much-anticipated Symphony Under the Stars attracts over 16,000 people from all over the state of Montana and beyond.

“As a part of our ongoing support for the Helena community and the variety of arts it offers, AARP Montana is pleased to be a sponsor of this great Montana family tradition,” said AARP Montana State Director, Tim Summers. “Folks from across Big Sky Country are invited to bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy a magical evening filled with music, family and friends. And of course, the grand finale of the night is the amazing fireworks show. We hope people will come see us at the AARP Montana tent where we will have free airbrushed tattoos, fun games, giveaways and great prizes.”

As part of its sponsorship, AARP Montana is giving away a backyard fire pit*-- Register here to enter.

AARP Montana is also offering free rides to concert-goers using golf carts. “People needing rides should just look for the Symphony Shuttle golf carts with the AARP signs on top and flag us down,” said Summers. “We will swing by to pick you up and give you a ride to the concert venue and after the event, we will be giving folks rides back to their cars.”

As in years past, the concert will be one of the largest annual food drives for Helena Food Share. People are encouraged to bring cans of food to hold down their blankets, which can be placed beginning at 5 PM Friday, July 19. There will be several drop boxes for the food at the concert. Last year, 17,200 pounds of food were collected.

This year, advanced blanket placement is allowed from 3 to 5 PM Friday, July 19, for those making a $5 cash donation to the Boy Scouts who will be on hand. They will mark the blankets of those who have donated (other early blankets will be removed.) The canned food and non-perishable foods used to hold blankets down (in lieu of rocks or stakes) will be collected by Helena Food Share during and after the concert.

For more information, log onto the Symphony Under the Stars website at: www.symphonyunderthestars.com

Quick Glance Event Details:

WHO: Intrepid Credit Union

Helena Symphony

Carroll College

AARP Montana

WHAT: The 15th annual Intrepid Credit Union Symphony Under the Stars Free Community Concert celebrating music of Aretha Franklin.

AARP Montana tent will feature free airbrushed tattoos, fun games, giveaways and great prizes.

AARP Montana will also provide the Symphony Shuttle transportation using golf carts.

WHEN: Concert begins at 8:30 PM on Saturday, July 20

Concert grounds open to the public at 5:00 PM Friday, July 19

Advanced blanket placement is allowed from 3:00 to 5:00 PM Friday, July 19 for a $5 donation to the Boy Scouts.

WHERE: Carroll College Guadalupe Lawn

1601 N Benton Ave, Helena, MT 59625

MORE INFO: www.symphonyunderthestars.com

* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the United States. Sweepstakes runs from 8:00am MDT on June 20 through 10:00pm MDT on July 20, 2019. Must be at least 18 years or older to participate. Void where prohibited. For official rules click here.