Music is alive again at Gregory Park
The music is back at Gregory Park.
At 6:30 p.m. every Thursday there will be live entertainment at the Parker Bandstand, thanks to a $53,000 restoration project spearheaded by the Lakes Area Senior Citizens Center.
Brainerd Mayor James Wallin addressed the audience Thursday night at the grand opening ceremony for the renovated Parker Bandshell at Gregory Park in Brainerd.
Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Thursday night for the renovated bandstand, which included music from the Chancel Choir at Park United Methodist Church.
Dozens of people, including several families, sprawled out in lawn chairs or blankets on the grass in front of the bandstand to listen to the dedication ceremony and choir performance. After the choir performance, the ceremony featured a Brainerd Lakes Chambers ambassador's ribbon-cutting to celebrate the restoration of the bandstand that brings the history of entertainment back to today's generation. Brainerd Mayor James Wallin, Brainerd Parks and Recreation Director Wayne Mooney and Kathy Tusa, senior center board president, spoke.
"This was fun, it was a nice gathering, nice people here," said Russ Vauhn of Pillager. "United Methodist Church really put on a good show."
"I think this is wonderful," said Judi Yerks. "We enjoyed it. It beats staying home and watching TV."
The bandstand was built 96 years ago as a memorial to one of Brainerd's pioneers, Charles N. Parker. The last renovation of the bandstand occurred in 1985 when it was spearheaded by the late Marv Nutting.
The restoration of the bandstand was led by the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center through the Brainerd Lakes for a Lifetime initiative. The bandstand needed roof repairs, railing modifications, painting and repairing of the bricks, replacing the doors and door frames, new stairs and electrical work.
DeAnn Barry, senior center executive director, said Brainerd Lakes for a Lifetime started fundraising in January to raise money to restore the bandstand. Barry said she is overwhelmed with how supportive the community has been with their donations.
"I didn't think that we'd raise the money for the bandstand that fast to begin hosting concerts this summer in the park," said Barry. "I thought we'd have to wait until next summer.
"It's a pretty cool town we live in. I thank the community for all their support."
Barry said restoring the bandstand bring a back a sense of community, which is part of the Brainerd Lakes for a Lifetime's mission. Barry said history shows that music was a large part of the community and music is still present in the community today, but there wasn't a functional bandstand.
There were four bandstands, including the bandstand in Depot Park located at South Sixth and Front Streets, in Brainerd in the late 1880s, according to Brainerd's Centennial Edition that featured the years 1871 to 1971. Community bands would play to crowds once a week from the bandstands.
"It's nice to see history come full circle," said Barry.
Now with the bandstand back in production, concerts will be held at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday. At 6:30 p.m. next Thursday, Diane Saumner and In His Name will perform. People can bring their own lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the music. The senior center is organizing what bands will perform each week in the bandstand.
Those interested in performing may contact Barry at the senior center at 829-9345.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@ brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851. JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.