Several thousand area residents gathered June 3 in Henry George Park overlooking the Fairhope Pier on Mobile Bay to picnic, enjoy the sunset and hear the Baldwin Pops play their 100th concert.

The popular band was celebrating the conclusion of their 10th year of performing band concerts throughout Baldwin County.

Mayor Tim Kant recognized the event with a proclamation declaring June 3 as Baldwin Pops Day. He followed with a proclamation in recognition of the contribution of Joe Riemer, a founder of the group who has served as music director and conductor from the Pops’ beginning.

Kant also declared June 3 to be Joe Riemer Day in Fairhope.

David Ed Bishop, a Baldwin County commissioner, presented a commemorative proclamation from the Commission honoring the contributions of the band throughout Baldwin County.

State Reps. Randy Davis (R-Dist. 96) and Joe Faust (R-Dist. 94) each read letters from the Alabama Legislature marking the occasion.

A message from Gov. Bob Riley congratulating the Pops members and their director for their 10 years of service to the county was read by Davis.

Riemer, a retired public school band director, has been a strong and talented leader for the Baldwin Pops, helping musicians of all ages to learn and enjoy performing music across Baldwin County. Under his leadership, the band has encouraged high school musicians by inviting outstanding high school seniors to join the band and by providing college scholarships in memory of John Allen each year.

He has served as the public face for the Pops in promoting band music in both indoor concert settings and in outdoor sunset presentations, especially the July 4th community picnic at the Fairhope Pier.

After this concert, Riemer stepped down as music director, although he will continue as a member of the band, enjoying his clarinet and conducting some concerts throughout the year.