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New sponsor for Symphony on the Prairie: Kroger

Posted at 6:24 AM, May 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-24 18:46:43-04

FISHERS, Ind. -- After 35 years, the summer concerts at Conner Prairie will no longer be called Marsh Symphony on the Prairie.

They will now be sponsored by Kroger. 

An Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra spokesperson said Tuesday Marsh is no longer the event's sponsor, but all concerts will go on as scheduled. Wednesday morning, Kroger was announced to be the new sponsor.

Tickets to Symphony on the Prairie will also be available at central Indiana Kroger locations. You can get a discounted ticket with a Kroger Plus Card.

“We are grateful to Kroger for stepping forward on short notice to partner with the ISO as the new title sponsor of Symphony on the Prairie,” ISO Chief Executive Officer Gary Ginstling said. “The future is bright for Kroger Symphony on the Prairie, and we look forward to bringing this well-loved tradition to Indiana families for many years to come.”

SUMMER CONCERTS | LIST: All the concerts this summer in downtown Indianapolis

Marsh recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is looking for a buyer for its remaining stores, or it will close all remaining locations. 

If all stores close, 2,788 part-time and full-time employees would be laid off, a Marsh spokesperson said. 

RELATED | Marsh Supermarkets could close all locations if no buyer is found | Marsh to close longtime Indianapolis store at the end of January | Marsh is closing another Indianapolis store at the end of February | Marsh to close two more Indy stores by mid-April; that makes four in 2017 | Greenfield, Indy Marsh stores closing in May

The employees could lose not only their jobs, but their health coverage.
 
Those working at Marsh locations set to close in the coming weeks said they will not receive severance packages, and their insurance benefits will expire at midnight the day the store shuts its doors.

RELATED | Marsh employees upset about lost jobs, insurance benefits

This process is similar to what Indianapolis-based electronics and appliances store hhgregg went through this year. hhgregg couldn't find a buyer, so the company closed dozens of its locations in early April.

About 3,700 people lost their jobs.

hhgregg | Indianapolis-based hhgregg files for bankruptcy | Indy-based hhgregg to close all stores after failing to find a buyer | hhgregg may close all 132 locations, liquidate items if company isn't purchased