In what has become almost a rite of passage over the years, the end of the Vero Beach social season was officially heralded at the 27th annual Season Finale May Pops at Windsor, presented by the Helen and Dick Post Family to benefit the Indian River Medical Center Foundation. Roughly 1,300 ticketholders gathered Sunday afternoon on Windsor’s vast polo fields under a bright blue sky, with a lovely breeze helping to keep temperatures pleasant. Attendees relaxed with family and friends for one last hurrah before our many snowbirds head to points north.
As VIPs began to arrive, they found their places at elegant sponsor tables sheltered from the sun in lines of cabanas gracing the lawn in front of the stage. Quail Valley Golf Club Executive Chef Joe Faria and his exceptional team again outdid themselves, providing an elegant VIP buffet of virtually everything imaginable, topped off with a sumptuous selection of desserts. Free ice cream was again provided for everyone – VIPs and general admission ticketholders alike – compliments of Windsor Properties.
On the south side of a low white picket fence, general admission concert-goers staked out their spaces – spreading out on the lawn, accompanied by picnic baskets, coolers, lawn chairs and high-spirited children relishing the wide open space.
The exceptional Brevard Symphony Orchestra, led by Principal Conductor and Music Director Christopher Confessore, returned to the stage to delight the crowd with popular tunes from favorite Broadway productions. Joining Maestro Confessore were two returning vocalists, each dazzling the Vero audience for a second time – Broadway stars Hugh Panaro, who charmed attendees in 2013, and Kristi Tingle, who delighted the May Pops audience in 2004. A surprise guest conductor, Dr. Michaela Scott, took the stage right after intermission to lead the orchestra in a rousing rendition of Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
“Hugh Panero sang the last time Dick attended the May Pops and Dick was just enchanted,” said Helen Post, remembering her much-beloved late husband. “He thought he was the best he’d ever heard. I’ve been waiting and hoping he’d be back, so this is very emotional for me. Hugh’s father had just died, so he sang a song from ‘Les Mis’ in remembrance of him, and a song from ‘Phantom’ dedicated to our son who had died. It was just so special. I’m so glad he’s back.”
Richard Post was as respected by the community for his philanthropy as for the ever-present twinkle in his eye and his jaunty bow ties. In remembrance, many of the gentlemen who knew him sported their own bow ties, including Faria and members of his team.
“It’s a thrill to see so many people here; I’m so grateful to all of you,” said Indian River Medical Foundation Chairman Tony Woodruff, in his welcome to the crowd, thanking the many volunteers, sponsors and Windsor for its ideal venue, and particularly recognizing the Post family for their support over the years.
