The Emporia Municipal Band always draws a good crowd for its regular concerts, but the crowd was a bit larger than normal Thursday night as a special event, a year in the making, preceded the band’s performance.
Roughly 30 minutes before the music began, band members and leadership joined city representatives and community members to cut the ribbon on the new Fremont Park bandstand. The bandstand underwent a complete renovation over the last year, with work focusing on improving stability, increasing space and adding ADA-compliant access for those with mobility issues.
Band Director Nancy Riecker says the new bandstand has already been put to good use and the difference in quality is readily apparent.
Former Band Director James Davis says the $170,000 investment in the infrastructure says a lot about how valued the band is in the community.
Fellow former director Gary McCarty says Thursday’s ribbon cutting has been a long time coming.
Emporia Mayor Becky Smith says the renovation was a high priority for the city because the bandstand is an important part of the city’s long history.
The band’s summer series will continue with weekly concerts on Thursday nights now through July 9, including a special 4th of July performance on July 2. More information is available by going online to emporiamunicipalband.org or by emailing embpersonnel@gmail.com.
Click here for a YouTube Short from Thursday’s ribbon cutting and concert.
