News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The first step toward a brand new amphitheater on the Gainesboro Square now underway.
Invitations to bid on the concrete that will form the amphitheater now out. Those bids will be awarded in the next 30 days.
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce President Frank Hardegree said a $48,000 economic development grant will pay for the new facility.
“It’ll be for community events, of course for the Poke Sallet Festival,” Hardegree said. “Anything musical, family outings, it’ll just be a service to the public for activities.”
The amphitheater is located just a block off the town square and will seat about 100 people with plenty of standing room, Hardegree said.
Following the concrete, attention will turn to building the stage and equipping the facility with the proper sound system. Hardegree said the team currently working on another $25,000 grant and local fundraising to finish the first piece of the project.
“Once phase one is completed, it’ll be able to be used for these activities we’re talking about,” Hardegree said. “Then, we’ll be doing more refinement.”
Phase one of the project will be completed by the end of the year at an expected price tag of roughly $80,000. Future phases would include a cover for the stage, decorations, concessions and restrooms.
