Longwood's Open Air Fountain displays became one of its most popular attractions, especially during the holiday season, when illuminated water rose and fell to holiday songs. Mr. du Pont first installed fountains into the stage in 1914, inspired by secret joke fountains in Italian gardens, and the fountains later developed into an intricate choreography of water and light synchronized to music. After the expanded fountains debuted in 1927, a thousand guests in the Open Air Theatre reacted with amazement at their beauty. The stage also hosted a wide range of world-class musicians performing jazz, classical, popular, folk, bluegrass, and music from around the world. Mr. du Pont favored military bands, and John Phillip Sousa and the United States Marine Band gave concerts there. A notable classical event was a 1941 performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra. In the 1980s, performances expanded to several nights a week along with special programs for children, and the Kennett Symphony became a summer regular in 1986.
