A groundbreaking ceremony for the forthcoming restoration of the historic bandstand in Lewiston’s Kennedy Park will take place on Tuesday, October 14 at 10:30 a.m. Members of the public are invited to attend.

The Lewiston City Council passed a resolve supporting the renovation of the bandstand in November of 2011, designating up to $75,000 in Community Block Grant funds appropriated for Kennedy Park improvements to match donations for the project received by the City. A Bandstand Restoration Committee was formed to raise private donations for the project. Donors will be recognized as part of the October 14 ceremony.

Historically, the park has been the site of political rallies, musical events, festivals and celebrations, with the bandstand playing a key role. In fact, the long-running and popular Franco-American Festival made extensive use of the bandstand during the 1970s and 80s. With the bandstand’s condition deteriorating in recent years, community members have rallied to restore it as a focal point within Kennedy Park.

Formed in early 2013, the Kennedy Park Bandstand Restoration Committee was charged with the goal of rejuvenating the bandstand as a centerpiece for arts and entertainment. The committee’s members are William Clifford (chair), Lee Myles, David Clifford, Heather Hunter, Fredda Wolf, John Orestis and Jack Milo.

“This is going to be a great event,” said committee chair William Clifford. “Rejuvenating a structure that has such a rich history of political rallies and musical events is a real step forward for the city. I thank the many people who made it possible.”

“It has been satisfying to see the response from such broad parts of the community,” said fellow committee member Lee Myles. “Clearly, the park, the bandstand, and the memories of both are important to many, many people. I’m glad this project will provide folks with one more reason to use this green space at the heart of Lewiston.”