The Des Moines Symphony is preparing for this year’s Yankee Doodle Pops with several new elements, including a larger stage, a choir, and a bigger fireworks show as the country prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Expanding the Stage

Crews were hard at work setting up sound towers and the stage ahead of Friday evening’s event on the west terrace of the Iowa State Capitol grounds. Yankee Doodle Pops draws thousands of people each year.

Aaron Williams, director of operations for the Des Moines Symphony, said the first day of work focuses on building sound towers and beginning stage construction. This year, that stage is being expanded to accommodate a first in the concert’s more than 30-year history.

Richard Early, the executive director of the Des Moines Symphony, said the Des Moines Choral Society and the Iowa State Statesmen will be performing with the symphony. Renowned journalist Harry Smith will narrate two pieces during the performance.

The concert will also end with a larger fireworks show than in previous years. The symphony is spending twice as much on its fireworks budget this year to make it as big and the best as possible for America’s 250th anniversary.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.