Lewiston
will get a new grandstand, thanks to Sen. Bennett
By Natalie
Buckley
May 6, 2009 | LEWISTON -- This spring, Lewiston city
received $237,500 from Senator Bennett's office to build
a new rodeo grandstand and city art council members
are working hard to earn money to build a playground
to match.
"Our grandstand was condemned and the playground is
in terrible shape," said city recorder Julie Bergeson,
"Lewiston has been borrowing grandstands for the past
two years. "
The money from Senator Bennett came from a fund that
is set aside for the improvement of small communities.
Mayor Kelly Field said that the city is very excited
about the new grandstands. "They should be in by the
4th of July rodeo," he said enthusiastically at the
city council meeting.
City councilwoman Karen Jackson said that the art
council is working hard but "it doesn't look like we
will have enough money to have the playground done in
time for the rodeo.
"However," she said, "the art council is planning
a lot of different activities to fundraise for the playground
and encourage unity within the city." She said that
the Sweetheart Swing that was held in February already
brought in revenue. "It wasn't a lot but it was still
some." She said that this year 82 people attended the
dance and last year there were only 56.
Jackson said, "Last year we did the swing just for
fun and we earned just enough to cover the costs. This
year we would like to focus on doing more events like
the swing and do some more serious fundraising for the
playground."
She went on to say that the art council has been selling
cookbooks and have sold enough that they are now able
to make a profit off of them. The art council is now
going to start selling these cookbooks in different
stores in Cache Valley. The cookbooks will be sold for
$17.50 a book and $15 a book if two or more are purchased.
"The great thing about these cookbooks is that all
these recipes are things that you can find in your cupboard,"
said Jackson.
Last year the council did a contest for yards to beautify
the city. One of their fundraising ideas for this summer
is that in place of the yard contest the council is
planning on doing a "Taste of Homes" cooking demo.
She said that it is estimated that the art council
will have to raise somewhere between $8,000- $10,000
to cover the costs of a new playground.
"This community is perfect for these sorts of activities,"
she said, "The people are really friendly and sincere
- good neighbors, good friends, and wide open spaces."
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