Aber Day Reunion concert to be played on new fairgrounds stage
Boone Goddard
A brand new stage is being built at the Polson Fairgrounds and will be used for the first time for this weekend’s Aber Day Reunion concert.
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POLSON – Saturday’s Aber Day Reunion concert will inaugurate a long-awaited expansive stage on the banks of the Flathead River.
Identified in both the Lake County Master Plan and a recent feasibility study funded by a $30,000 grant, construction of the 2,640-square-foot structure is a prime example of the effectiveness of a public-private partnership, according to Lake County Commissioner Bill Barron.
The new Regatta Shoreline Amphitheatre, built on county land near the seaplane refuel location, will enhance opportunities for land at the fairgrounds which Barron said is severely underutilized.
Anderson Broadcasting Charitable Foundation, a newly formed non-profit run by Anderson Broadcasting, spearheaded the stage’s construction, donated towers for speaker placement, and played a role in organizing in-kind donations, equipment, labor and materials.
Towers donated by Anderson Broadcasting will hold the speaker system and eventually form the roof.
The new stage, which will continue to be managed by the foundation, is but the first phase of the project, according to Anderson Broadcasting owner Dennis Anderson. Subsequent plans include extensive landscaping, terracing and other grounds enhancements.
According to Anderson, the foundation’s profits will be donated to local causes.
Polson’s annual Blues Fest will also be held on the new stage on Aug. 18 and 19. As of now, there are no other events planned for the new venue. Steve Pickel, events coordinator with Anderson Broadcasting, said the new stage is the anticipated location for future Aber Day Reunion and Blues Fest outdoor concerts.
According to Barron, a collaborative community effort is what enabled the timely, successful completion of the first phase of the amphitheatre.
“We are just excited to get the project completed with little effect on taxpayers,” Barron said.
