Sparta
Evans-Bossard Park Bandshell
6/3/2019
This information was graciously provided by Reinhard Mueller, one of the significant persons in the creation of the bandshell.
It all began in 2004, John Hendricks, Sparta School Superintendent, Sharon Folcey, Chamber of Commerce Director, and Al Wright, Community Activist, were talking over coffee about rejuvenating the once weekly concerts at the Courthouse Square. They commenced to organize a flatbed trailer, and held the first "new age" concert series in Evans-Bosshard Park in 2004. The thought then emerged to facilitate a new structure, which was funded then by a Veterans group. Al Wright approached Reinhard Mueller, a Project Manager then for Sentinel Industries, to contract for the construction. The funding fell through, and Reinhard offered to build the structure as a volunteer project, which is what ultimately happened.
A site was chosen near a natural bowl in Evans-Bosshard Park, and construction began in the early spring of 2005. The structure was substantially complete for the first concert in late may of that year. Its design was lead by Reinhard Mueller in overall concept, with assist from Bob Merrill of then Lakes States Lumber. He facilitated contact with Starwood Rafters, who was a distributor for Gruen-Wald Laminates of Tea, SD. Gruen-Wald manufactured the skeleton for the band shell which was was slightly modified, and embellished for our purposes.
It all began in 2004, John Hendricks, Sparta School Superintendent, Sharon Folcey, Chamber of Commerce Director, and Al Wright, Community Activist, were talking over coffee about rejuvenating the once weekly concerts at the Courthouse Square. They commenced to organize a flatbed trailer, and held the first "new age" concert series in Evans-Bosshard Park in 2004. The thought then emerged to facilitate a new structure, which was funded then by a Veterans group. Al Wright approached Reinhard Mueller, a Project Manager then for Sentinel Industries, to contract for the construction. The funding fell through, and Reinhard offered to build the structure as a volunteer project, which is what ultimately happened.
A site was chosen near a natural bowl in Evans-Bosshard Park, and construction began in the early spring of 2005. The structure was substantially complete for the first concert in late may of that year. Its design was lead by Reinhard Mueller in overall concept, with assist from Bob Merrill of then Lakes States Lumber. He facilitated contact with Starwood Rafters, who was a distributor for Gruen-Wald Laminates of Tea, SD. Gruen-Wald manufactured the skeleton for the band shell which was was slightly modified, and embellished for our purposes.
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The overall cost in 2005 was $15,000. All installation labor was donated. Financial support came largely from the Kiwanis Club of Sparta ($10,000), with other donors buying wood signs with their names engraved and posted on the back of the bandshell. The Barney family also gave a generous contribution of approximately $2,000. The Barney family is a local family that has invested significantly in the community through donations through various public projects. In 2008 the bandshell was expanded with a larger roof to cover the already constructed expanded stage. This was done to provide cover for the Rotary "Blues and BBQ" event held in September of 2008. |
The bandshell has been used every summer since 2005 for the summer concert series. The series runs from Memorial Day through the end of August with a concert every Wednesday. Additionally, church groups and other groups have concerts, as well as others hosting an occasional wedding at the facility. The beginning of the Holiday Lights venue is also held in the bandshell where Santa throws the switch at the end of the Holiday Parade to officially open the light season in Evans-Bosshard Park.
Ben Bikin greets bicyclists
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ANOTHER FAMOUS SPARTA SITE ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE BANDSHELL
Sparta is also known for being the Bicycle Capital of the World. The famous 32.5 mile Elroy-Sparta State Trail, considered the first in the country that modified a rail line into a bike trail. |
Visitors Center at start of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail
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Location |