When I think of summer, I think of grilling out, boating on Morse Lake and concerts. I always anxiously await the Verizon Wireless summer concert line-up and carefully select shows at other venues around town to put on my “must see” list. Just last year, my first summer at Conner Prairie, I was introduced to Symphony on the Prairie. For those who aren’t familiar, Conner Prairie hosts the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra each summer for a series of concerts.
My favorite Symphony show quickly became the Stars and Stripes performance over the Fourth of July. This year, I brought a huge group of family, including 
aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, parents...you get the idea. My mom and I went to Conner Prairie’s Glorious Fourth celebration during the day, then made our way to the Symphony gates early to stake out our spot. At least we thought we were early. The show starts at 8 pm but by 3:30 pm people were already lining the gate waiting for it to open. When they finally did a sea of red, white and blue flooded the hill that overlooks the Symphony Bowl. Then, there are the decorations. I’m not talking about a flag here and there. I’m talking tablecloths, elaborate center pieces, and immaculate spreads of food. The best part about Symphony on the Prairie, besides the music, is the atmosphere. You can bring your own chairs or blankets, coolers, food, drinks and games to play while you wait. It’s just a great place to enjoy a beautiful summer night.
The Stars and Stripes Symphony gives me goose bumps every time. To hear the whole crowd singing the Star Spangled Banner or to watch war veterans stand and be honored with a personal handshake is a great patriotic feeling. The night ended with a bang, quite literally, as hundreds of fireworks lit up the July sky.