Jake Judd
(KNSI) – Officials are hopeful they can use The Ledge Amphitheater this summer, but more restrictions need to be lifted first.
Waite Park City Administrator Shaunna Johnson gave the city council an update during a work session on Monday night.
“I wish I had a crystal ball to be able to tell everybody when that magic date will be. We are really needing to just see things opened up more for us to really be able to do that. But we’re really at the mercy
of the state and determining that.”
Officials are hopeful that The Ledge could open in July for national acts, theater performances and could host an Oktoberfest this fall.
She says the governor’s restrictions cap attendance at 250 people, and they need to have at least 50% capacity to attract national acts to the 5,000 seat venue.
Johnson says safety during the pandemic is everyone’s top concern.
“We all have the same things in mind. It’s the safety of our patrons and making sure that when we are able to open that we do it in a safe way that people will feel comfortable coming in here. And so what precautions can we take to do that?”
The Ledge’s management team is putting together a COVID plan. But for now, the amphitheater’s officials are waiting.
“So we’ve got to be really flexible with that, and probably a little bit patient and that’s hard, it’s hard for us, we’re so excited about this place and really want to showcase it and allow our community to use it. But if we can be a little bit more patient, we’re all going to be better off as a result.”
In the meantime, Johnson says the city is putting the finishing touches on who will provide services at The Ledge.
“I’m talking everything from a concession here, to caterers to decorators that may come in for different types of events, to lights and sound and things like that all of those are a variety of different contractors that we will have here for any type of an event.”
The city will have an approved list of businesses that will be allowed to operate at the amphitheater.
For the latest information about what’s upcoming at the amphitheater and the facility’s use, click here.
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