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City may launch market at band shell
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Friday, May 19, 2006 |
PINELLAS PARK – City officials may follow in the footsteps of other Pinellas County cities by opening the England Brothers Band Shell to nonprofit organizations to raise funds by selling vegetables and crafts.
Tim Caddell, the city’s media director, said officials also are looking into holding new entertainment events for residents of all ages.
Plans call for big band music, Elvis impersonators and for rock ’n’ roll.
The events would be held at the band shell and at other city recreation facilities.
“The idea of a market where nonprofit organizations can sell items to raise funds is a viable plan,” Caddell said. “Such events are very successful in other cities.”
Such events are staged in St. Petersburg, Largo, Gulfport and elsewhere.
“The band shell is not used every weekend,” Caddell said. “There are rest rooms, electric and other services already available.”
Councilman Rick Butler earlier this year suggested that a group of 1940s-era former vacation cabins near Park Station be used as an arts and crafts center. That idea is still under consideration but is not expected to materialize due to the expense of purchasing the property.
Under Caddell’s concept, costs would be limited to services only and not involve land purchases.
Caddell said the market and entertainment events would “bring the community together.”
“We don’t want to make it a big commercial venture,” he said.
Caddell said the city market would be restricted to nonprofit organizations looking for public exposure during fund raising programs.
He said some entertainers in the past have volunteered their services. Most, however, want to be paid for their appearances.
Caddell suggested that local unknown high school and other bands be given an opportunity to play at the band shell for exposure value.
Caddell said hard rock groups might also be considered. Last year the “Motorheads” starred in an event, but drew criticism because of their obscenity-laced songs.
“It wasn’t so much the music,” Caddell said. “It was their language that startled area residents who were exposed to it.”
The city already holds a number of organizational fundraising events. Just recently the police department put on what was billed as “a giant flea market” with proceeds going to various police-related groups.
The American Cancer Society earlier this month used the band shell for stop cancer crusade.
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Article published on Friday, May 19, 2006
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