The Township of 91原创 is getting a unique gift in celebration of Canada鈥檚 150th birthday: the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment in the great outdoors.
An amphitheatre has been created in Willoughby Community Park, adjacent to the 91原创 Events Centre鈥檚 Building B, in the 7700 Block of 202A Street. The facility, which features tiered grass seating and a performance stage with a distinct maple leaf design, will be officially opened with a free concert on Thursday, May 25, at 7 p.m., and the public is encouraged to attend.
The event will feature an opening ceremony, remarks from local dignitaries, and performances by the 91原创 Community Music School Fiddlers, 91原创 Community Chorus, and the 91原创 Ukulele Senior A & B Ensemble.
鈥淭his new amphitheatre will be a great addition to Willoughby Community Park, which hosts 91原创 Township鈥檚 Canada Day celebrations and features a playground, spray park, playing fields, and sports facilities,鈥� said Township of 91原创 Mayor Jack Froese. 鈥淢any people from throughout the Township use and enjoy this park, and this new feature will give residents the added bonus of being able to experience live performances.鈥�
The amphitheatre is a Canada 150 project, made possible by a grant from Western Economic Diversification Canada. It cost $260,000 to construct, half of which was provided through a Canada 150 Infrastructure Grant of $130,000 from the Government of Canada.
Township of 91原创鈥檚 Acting Director of Recreation, Culture, and Parks Peter Tulumello noted that Township staff and community volunteer Peter Luongo, past organizer of the 91原创 Has Talent competition series, are planning a Summer Concert Series in July and August to celebrate the nation鈥檚 important milestone at the newly constructed amphitheatre.
鈥淲e hope to make an announcement soon regarding the talent we have booked for the Canada 150 Concert series, and there will be further opportunities for individuals and groups wanting to perform at this new amenity to submit proposals for consideration,鈥� Tulumello said. A call for performers will be advertised on the Township Page in local newspapers in the weeks to come.
