Meridian to Celebrate Gene Kleiner Day with Free Concert June 13

The City of Meridian invites the community to celebrate Gene Kleiner Day on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The event, which will include a reading of a Gene Kleiner Day proclamation and a free concert by the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, honors the generosity of the day’s namesake, who donated the 60-acre, $25 million Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park to the City of Meridian and its residents. Gene made the donation in honor of his late father, Julius, who once farmed the land on which the park now sits and operated until his passing in 1972. 

The Meridian Symphony Orchestra will present a free concert at the Kleiner Park Bandshell, beginning at 4:00 p.m. This family-friendly performance, under the director of conductor Jennifer Drake, will feature a vibrant mix of classical favorites and patriotic selections in honor of America250. The featured pieces will include Star Spangled Banner, Thunder and Lightning Polka, Stars and Stripes Forever, Liberty Fanfare (Williams), Procession of the Nobles, Belioz Hungarian March, Blue Tango (Anderson), Bernstein West Side Story Medley, and American Salute Gould.

“We’re so thankful for this opportunity to honor Gene Kleiner by featuring one of our city’s most accomplished performing arts groups in one of our city’s most scenic settings,” said Meridian Parks and Recreation Director Steve Siddoway. “And it’s especially fitting that the Meridian Symphony has chosen to include several patriotic numbers that will pay tribute to America250, as well.” 

Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets for seating and are welcome to bring picnics. Kleiner Park’s concession stand will also be open this evening.
  
Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park is located at 1900 N. Records Avenue in Meridian.  The nearly 60-acre park is situated behind The Village at Meridian at the corner of Eagle Road and Fairview. The park boasts 3.3 miles of walking paths; pickleball courts; a tree arboretum; fishing ponds; the Rock of Honor Veterans Memorial; a memorial brick plaza; basketball, volleyball, and bocce ball courts; multiple picnic shelters; a community garden; an outdoor gym and full spectrum of youth play equipment.