Amphitheater project plans fall festival
By Everett Brazil, III
The Newkirk Herald Journal
NEWKIRK — The lawn south of the Kay County Courthouse has sat empty for the past few years, since the demolition of the former Newkirk High School. Part of that space will soon be filled, however, as the Kay County Amphitheater Committee has been approved for a new amphitheater on the southeast section of the lawn, which will further help to beautify downtown and bring the arts to the community.
The project is being unveiled to the community Oct. 12, with a special fundraising festival to help build excitement for the project and bring people out downtown in the cool autumn weather.
The event begins at 3 p.m., and goes well into the evening.
The project was conceived as a way to provide more community activities and opportunities, especially related to the arts.
“We wanted a place for the county citizens to have a concert, weddings, parties,” said committee member Kim Shanks.
Other possible activities planned for the amphitheater include Charlie Adams Day performances, spring concerts for the Newkirk High School and Middle School bands and choirs, as well as outdoor concerts.
The program is also serving as a form of a fundraiser for the project.
“This is a small fundraiser for people to come enjoy themselves on the Courthouse lawn, to raise money for the amphitheater,” Shanks said. “We have $38,800. For us to break ground, we need $115,000.”
The committee has contracted with Kerr3 Design, Edmond, Okla. for the architecture. They anticipate construction to begin in February or March 2020.
There are plenty of activities planned for the entire family. The Co-Ed cheer team will provide face painting, and the NHS band will perform in front of participants. Glow-in-the-dark neon jewelry will also delight to the children as the sun slowly fades to the west.
There will also be plenty of food at the event. Food trucks and vendors include Dapper Dogs Gourmet Hotdogs and Brats, as well as Navajo Tacos. Candy and popcorn will also be offered as treats.
Apple Market is also stepping in to help, offering classic Halloween decorations. Large pumpkins will be on sale for $5, and pie pumpkins for $2.50. Gourds and mini pumpkins will be $1.
Once the sun sets, a Halloween movie, “Hocus Pocus,” will be shown to the families. For more information about the amphitheater project, visit their Facebook page.
“It’ll be a fun fall evening. We’re going to have a good time. Bring your family to hang out on the courthouse lawn,” Shanks said.
