Hello Shootist. Good comments from everyone. Yes, I think it would be great to use the big stage we have for the kids to spin for their little competitions. Everything would be in one place and there is lots of space. Sadly, this is outside and Dale Oliver said he and others would prefer to not have an outdoor championships because of heat, dampness and the outside possibility of rain.
The obvious choice in town would be the Baum opera house, which is a very short walk between the church and the outdoor stage. It has a large stage with a high ceiling and lots of space for spectators. It is also air conditioned but it has already been reserved for a wedding. Rats!!!
Another possibility in walking distance is Memorial Hall (owned by the schools and is the former high school stage) but it is not air conditioned. The new theater, right next to the outdoor stage, has wonderful cushioned seats and a wide stage plus air conditioning. But it is only 10 feet deep and there might be concerns about tops hitting the screen. I, personally, know that we would NEVER miss and hit the screen but others might not have the same confidence in us.
The American Legion is next to Bullwinkle's Top Hat Bistro (great ribs, right Eli?). They have a carpeted stage and A/C. The stage appears to be wide enough and deep enough but does not have much ceiling height. Across the street from that is a big old honking historic building that has a gym floor on the third floor!!! It also has a nice stage but no elevator. I am not sure about air conditioning but there is plenty of ceiling height there.
Personally, I would like for us to consider the possibility of a simpler option....the fellowship hall (Albrecht Hall) at my church (St. Jacob). Everybody's equipment would be there. People could use the stage area (taped floor or a short stage brought in) to practice during the morning or early afternoon. And we could entertain early arrivers outside before the competition. Maybe displays could be set up for the day? Many people have been there so others know of the space which has fairly high ceilings and the possibility of nice crowd support and cheering as the hall is not as large as a gym.
There are some other stages we could drive to but, once again, it would be time taken away for travel and we would have to haul away our equipment, then haul it back again for the kid's battles in the evening.
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