LEBANON – The first performance under a new permanent bandshell cover on a concert stage in Lebanon, was three local women singing The Star Spangled Banner at the Lebanon Bash Parade opening.

Several hundred people for more than a block downtown, could hear clearly and perfectly. Following the parade, live performances by three bands started. The Lebanon Bash was attended and enjoyed by about 500 people from surrounding counties in Kansas and Nebraska.

The hope is that other groups will use the stage throughout the spring, summer and fall.

The cost of renting a stage cover for the Lebanon Bash had been rising each year, and the board of the U.S. Center Foundation, which sponsors the annual event, determined that the purchase of a kit to construct a permanent stage cover would save money.

A Hansen Foundation grant covered the kit’s cost, and local volunteers used their personal equipment to assemble it. Assembly involved more than 12 volunteers working about 240 total hours.