NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The ribbon cutting for the new Lowen Corporation Free Stage at Lake Talbott took place Thursday afternoon on the Fairgrounds.
"It has been said that for three quarters of a century, future greats and near greats in the music world have performed here," said State Fair ambassador Richard Shank. "Also, I am told the Lake Talbott area has been the scene of many other events including picnics, weddings, and even a couple of funerals."
State Fair board chair Paula Landoll-Smith thanked the presenting sponsor for their support of the project.
"I'd like to take this time, just to thank Lowen Corporation for their generous donation in helping us here," Landoll-Smith said. "I'd also like to say great job to Galyon Brothers of Sterling, as well as to the staff and to the Fair Board."
State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said the replacement of the stage was about both aesthetics and safety.
"It was in good condition, but we just saw over the winter that things started getting bad up there," Schulz said. "We just didn't want to take any chances, so it was, let's invest the money that we have to make sure that when people do come out here, they feel comfortable and safe."
The stage had been in place by the lake since the 1940s and will be used for regular free performances during the ten days of the fair and for weddings after that. Schulz said they had to move three weddings that had already been scheduled to do the construction for the new stage.