Thousands Expected as Music in Plymouth Marks 54 years

Gray cloudy skies and scattered rain showers earlier Wednesday didn’t stop preparations for Music in Plymouth, an event that’s expected to draw thousands of people tonight at the Hilde Performance Center. 

Now marking its 54th year, the free community event begins at 5:30 p.m. and features performances by The Jolly Pops, Power of 10 and the Minnesota Orchestra, along with family activities, food vendors and a grand fireworks display to close the evening.

Despite the wet start to the day, organizers remain optimistic that weather will be to their favor.

“Music in Plymouth is always special to this community, which is why it has endured for years,” said Mele Willis, a Plymouth Civic League board member. “We hope for another 54 years going forward.”

The Plymouth Civic League organizes the large-scale event.

Willis said Music in Plymouth continues to bring neighbors, friends and families together, noting that hundreds of people had already arrived early Wednesday morning to claim spots for the evening’s festivities.

Among them was recent high school graduate Harry Ding, who said he returned to make memories with friends before heading to college this fall.

“I’ve got good friends, and we’re about to leave for college in the fall, so I got to make some memories,” he said.

Tyler Mann, another recent high school graduate, said this year’s event serves as a chance to spend time with friends before they head different paths.

“I think it’s like a little send-off for him and all of our friends,” Mann said, referring to a friend studying abroad this fall.

Music in Plymouth is the city’s largest annual event and has continued to draw residents together for more than five decades through live entertainment, community activities and a shared summer tradition.

Attendees of Music in Plymouth laid out blankets and tarps early Wednesday to claim spots for tonight’s Music in Plymouth.

Related: Music in Plymouth Provides $700K Business Boost

Lizzy Nyoike reporting. Lizzy is an intern from the University of Minnesota.

Plymouth