The Choteau Lions Club has been working hard to bring a permanent bandshell stage to the Choteau City Park adjacent to the Choteau Pavilion and Community Center. After local musician and Lions Club member Rich Clough presented the idea, the City of Choteau agreed to a location, and the Lions received an outpouring of support from the community. Donations and pledges of financial support, including a generous donation from the First Bank of Montana, provided the Lions with the confidence that this project could be accomplished and would be a welcomed asset for the community.
Lions Rich Clough and Sean Darby led the fundraising and construction efforts, and progress has been steady. Last fall, a concrete stage was constructed, and during the fall and winter months, large timber support materials were purchased and milled in Western Montana. Once they were transported to Choteau, winter work was done indoors to get ready for erection of the shell framework.
Following the recent Choteau Chamber of Commerce Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the park, the timbers were transported to the park area, and Lions Club members completed sanding the timbers while Sean and Dave began the process of measuring, notching, and preparing the framework for its erection. Once the framing is up and secured to the concrete stage, it will be ready for roofing and enclosing the side walls. Electricity for lighting and music equipment outlets will then be installed.
The Lion’s Club hopes the Bandshell will be ready to use over the 4th of July weekend, and the community is welcome to watch the progress of the project during the next couple of months. Donations for the completion of this project are welcomed and would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made online or checks can be mailed to:
Choteau Lions Club
PO Box 633
Choteau, MT 59422
