The Baldwin Pops have been delighting the eardrums of Baldwin County for 27 years with their free concerts. Now, they are looking to the community for much-needed support to continue their operations.

The Baldwin Pops is hosting its first-ever fundraising event Saturday, June 22, at the Fairhope Civic Center. The evening promises to be a swinging good time with entertainment provided by the Mobile Big Band Society. Along with great music and dancing, guests will enjoy food, drinks, a silent auction and dance and best costume contests. Tickets are on sale now.

Formed in 1997, the all-volunteer group has between 50 to 70 musicians entertaining Baldwin County residents. The ages of the musicians range from 16 to over 70 years old. The nonprofit 501 (c3) organization relies on sponsorships from local cities and businesses as well as donations to put on 10 or more free concerts each year.

The goal of the event is to sell 250 tickets, and all proceeds will go to support the general fund.

"The Baldwin Pops relies on the generosity of patrons and sponsoring businesses to be able to operate the organization," board member Anne Brooks said. "There are constant behind-the-scenes logistics and as with everything else, our operating expenses have gone up requiring us to seek additional sponsors. These funds will enable us to continue fulfilling our 1997 mission statement of promoting music education, promotion of the concert band genre and contributing to the quality of life of our community by providing free concerts to the citizens of Baldwin County."

Along with operating costs, the general fund is used to purchase new instruments, equipment and music.

When sitting down to enjoy the annual July Fourth Concert in Fairhope, you may not consider the expenses that went into the concert like program printing, truck rental, sound technician, rehearsal space and copyright licenses. One might think that charging for The Baldwin Pops concerts would solve the problem, but they can't.

"Our members are all volunteers, but the business side requires support from our patrons because it was written in our Constitution and bylaws that all Baldwin Pops concerts shall always be free to attend," Brooks said.

Don't miss this fun fundraising event and show your support for The Baldwin Pops. There will be a wine bar, food and silent auction items ranging from an hour flight over Baldwin County to a sunset sailboat cruise. Break out the vintage clothes for the costume contest. The goal of the costume contest is focused on the big band eras of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.

The Big Band Party is 7-9 p.m. To learn more about The Baldwin Pops or to purchase your tickets, visit www.baldwinpops.com. If you would like to support The Baldwin Pops but cannot make it to the event, donations can be made in person at any concert or by mail to Baldwin Pops Band, P.O. Box 38, Fairhope, AL 36533.