Editor’s Note: This article was published in the Fall 1997 issue of the “CommUnity News,” a printed publication distributed quarterly.
Opening day is coming with all the fanfare and fun a community can muster.
The Keehner Park Amphitheater celebrates its grand opening with a family celebration in the park from 3-5 p.m. on Labor Day.
Families are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and plenty of friends for an afternoon of music, food and fun.
The celebration starts off with the official ribbon-cutting. Once the ribbon is cut, children in attendance will distribute these pieces of ribbon as souvenirs to residents.
FOUNDATIONS: Keehner Park
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"We want the community to feel this is their amphitheater," said Parks Director for Union Township, Mary Raffel. "The residents made it possible, so it belongs to them."
Various dignitaries and local officials will be on hand to offer their comments on the completed amphitheater and its role in the community.
After the pomp and circumstance, the entertainment begins.
The opening of the amphitheater also marks the official "coming out" of the newly formed West Chester Symphony. Nearly 60 musicians of all ages have been rehearsing regularly to perform at local functions.
At the amphitheater opening, the orchestra will perform about 45 minutes of light classical and popular tunes including some patriotic favorites.
Two local theater groups will also entertain with theatrical and musical presentations. Thespis Theatrical Society will perform songs from the musical "Godspell." The West Chester Community Theater group members will provide a vocal performance as well.
"We want the opening to be grand with something for everyone," said Liz Hansen, coordinator of entertainment for the opening celebration. "If there are other groups who wish to entertain, they should contact [us]. We would be pleased to see the event go past 5 p.m." There will be some vendors providing refreshments at the opening, but picnic baskets are also welcome. No alcoholic beverages are permitted in the park.
FROM THE ARCHIVES: The Name is Claimed
While the amphitheater opening will also nearly close the summer season, coordinators will be working throughout the winter months to present a full slate of concerts and plays for the 1998 season.
The amphitheater was completed on schedule and planners are pleased with the results. The structure is equipped to handle both musical and theatrical performances with room for secured storage and dressing rooms.
The design for the structure was the brainchild of local theater and musical group representatives combining the best aspects of many different area outdoor theaters.
"We started with the best design we could imagine for the park, aiming for the stars and expecting to be taken down a notch or two," said Steve Kuhn of Thespis Theatrical Society. "We were pleased that the Township wanted the stars and agreed to our first plan."
"Everyone involved did a great job and we're looking forward to the amphitheater bringing great enjoyment to the residents of Union Township," said Scott Bressler, Township Project Manager.
In case of rain, the amphitheater opening will be rescheduled for Sept. 14, 1997.
For more information about the amphitheater and future performance scheduling, call 777-5900.
For more information about West Chester, Ohio's bicentennial anniversary, visit www.WestChesterOH.org/200.