Volunteers and local organizations sought for Symphony in the Cities and Prelude in the Park August 5

The City will celebrate its 35th anniversary at this year’s Symphony in the Cities and Prelude in the Park on Saturday, August 5 on the Village Green at Oso Viejo Community Park, 24932 Veterans Way.

With an “Under the Sea” theme, this year’s Symphony in the Cities includes the Children’s Musical Playground and Prelude in the Park from 4 to 7 pm followed by the concert at 7 pm. 

This year’s theme was inspired by the City’s 35th anniversary with the traditional color being coral and Mission Viejo’s rich history under the sea. Mission Viejo was once completely covered by water with the sea full of whales, sharks and assorted marine life. Thousands of years after the sea receded, mammoths, bears and a variety of land animals roamed the land. The bones and teeth of these animals were discovered during the excavation for housing tracts. In 1973, part of a fossilized whale skull was found during an excavation of Mission Viejo. It was identified as a 5-million-year-old bowhead whale - a prehistoric relative of the baleen whale. Then in 1976, the fossil became the City’s first historic monument and is currently displayed at Chrisanta Drive and La Paz Road. Plaster jackets were used to store the major fossil finds of intermingled land sea animals. The jackets are stored at museums and Saddleback College.

Volunteers can earn community service hours, have fun and feel good while savoring music by the Pacific Symphony led by Maestro Carl St.Clair and enjoy a host of fun activities during the City’s Prelude in the Park. Register online at this link, and for more information, email symphonyvolunteer@cityofmissionviejo.org. Volunteers must be 15 or older.

Local organizations and non-profits can also get involved by registering for a community booth. Booths must fit the "Under the Sea" theme and include an activity. To apply, fill out an application and email it to symphonybooth@cityofmissionviejo.org.

Stay tuned for more information about Prelude activities and entertainment in the coming weeks.