Keokuk, IA – Several hundred spectators turned out to see the latest entertainment opportunity in Keokuk.
The Rand Park Pavilion has been in the works for more than two years. It sits on the west side of Keokuk's largest city park.
Chuck Betts served on the steering committee for the project and now chairs the committee that looks for events at the Rand Park Pavilion. He says this facility rivals anything available in much larger cities.
Betts says the pavilion will be used for musical and theater performances, art exhibits, guest speakers, and possibly weddings. He says a partial schedule is in place for the rest of this summer and fall with a full performance schedule expected for 2010.
Hundreds of current and former Keokuk residents donated more than $450,000 for the project. The Rand Park Pavilion also got a boost from donated labor and supplies from local contractors.
The first performance after the official dedication was a two hour concert by Orquesta Alto Maiz.
Security cameras will be added to the facility to try to curb vandalism. The Keokuk City Council has yet to make a decision on whether alcohol will be allowed at the pavilion for performances.