Mission Viejo gearing up for free Symphony in the Cities, Prelude in the Park event Saturday

The City of Mission Viejo is gearing up for its annual spectacular free Symphony in the Cities and Prelude in the Park event on Saturday, July 18 at Oso Viejo Park, 24932 Veterans Way.

The excitement begins at 4 p.m. with the Prelude in the Park boasting a carnival theme with games, prizes, live entertainment and a carousel ride. Patrons will savor performances by the popular Laguna Swing Society, Jeff Price and the Brass Ensemble, roving circus entertainers, a CirqueMirage aerialist as well as fun with balloon artists and a tight-rope booth. All midway games are free to play. Carousel rides are $1 per ride (cash only), with all proceeds supporting the 2015 Special Olympics Host Town program.

During the Musical Playground, kids ages 3-12 can make or play a musical instrument, talk to a musician or participate in the conducting clinic with famed Pacific Symphony musical director Carl St.Clair before he leads the Pacific Symphony in a fabulous concert at 7 p.m. A beer-and-wine garden along with some delectable fare will be available for purchase including tacos, lobster rolls, kettle corn, ice cream and more.

A limited number of reserved tables are still available seating up to 10 people for $100. Proceeds from the reserved tables will also support the Mission Viejo Host Town Program of the Special Olympics.

Parking will be available at Newhart Middle School at 25001 Veterans Way; Thomas R. Potocki Conference Center, 27301 La Paz Road, and at the Mission Viejo Civic Center parking lot (200 Civic Center) where shuttles will leave every 15 minutes.

Admission to the event is free. While chairs and blankets are allowed, people should not bring them to the park before 1 p.m.

For more information about this fun-filled family event, visit http://cityofmissionviejo.org/DiscoverMV/EventsHome.aspx or call 949-470-3062.