COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s annual, free, outdoor SALUTE! concert honoring military veterans is on for May 28 as an adjusted, in-person event on the lawn of the Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans at Second and Jackson streets in downtown Columbus.
The announcement is significant since the event, which normally attracts 4,000 to 5,000 people, was canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic — the first time the event hadn’t been held since its beginning in 2001, though rain shortened it one year.
The areas closest to the stage will be sectioned off in four, socially-distanced sections large enough for about 250 well-distanced seats each, according to organizers. Masks will be encouraged. The Bartholomew County Health Department has approved that plan.
Heidi Kelley, the Philharmonic’s executive director, said others would be free to set up chairs beyond that perimeter, probably across the street while also socially distancing.
Those hoping to be in the closest sections need to arrive early, Kelly said.
“If there are places where others want to be across the street, under a tree somewhere apart from others, we’re not going to make you go away,” Kelley said.
For the full story, see Friday’s Republic.
