THEBACHA/FORT SMITH
Fort Smith town council has approved the purchase of a mobile stage for the community.
Brad Brake: Fort Smith mayor says portable stage good for the community. |
Council voted in favour of buying the stage at its meeting on April 16.
The town had been considering buying a 20-by-24-foot stage, but increased the size to 20-by-40-feet.
"There was some concern by people in the community that it might have been too small for the groups at the Friendship Festival, that they might want it a bit bigger," said Mayor Brad Brake.
The mayor noted the larger sized stage increased the cost to about $141,000 from $135,000.
"There was a small cost associated with a larger stage area," he said.
Brake said the supplier has committed to have the stage
in Fort Smith by Aug. 1.
That means the stage should be available for the annual South Slave Friendship Festival, held in Conibear Park in August.
As for what will happen to the existing stage in Conibear Park, Brake said it is likely it will be removed from the park.
"There hasn't been any discussion in regards to what's going to happen with the old stage," he said. "I would presume that we would have to look at removal and disposal if we're going to be utilizing this one."
The old stage is in very poor condition and the canopy collapsed last year, leaving only the floor.
Brake said he is pleased council has approved buying the mobile stage.
"I think it's going to be very good for the community," he said. "We have a lot of different things that happen in Fort Smith and they happen
at different venues."
For example, the mayor noted the stage could be used for events such as Canada Day, National Aboriginal Day and events at the new track.
"I think it would be a great benefit for our community," he said.
The cost of the mobile stage includes delivery and training of town employees to set up and maintain it. The setup takes two people and about 30 minutes.
