Orford
But the members of the Orford Bandstand Committee were determined and their perseverance paid off. Orford’s East Common is now the home to an electrified bandstand and a growing free concert series that attracts more than just town residents to the idyllic setting.
“It took time. People said ‘Is this bandstand ever going to get done?’ ” said Ann Green, a member of the committee.
In 2014, the group — made up of residents Brad McCormack, Ann Cougle, Eva Daniels, John Berryman, Tom Steketee, John O’Brien and Lesley Butman — began holding five concerts on the common to gauge public interest.
“We had a plywood stage and a tent set up over the bands,” McCromack recalled.
The concerts were well attended.
In March 2015, the town residents gave the committee unanimous support to go ahead with the plan, as long as no taxpayer dollars were used. Construction started in 2016.
And the concerts continued alongside the construction, each year a little more work was done. While the committee fundraised, people volunteered their time and skills: One area business owner, for example, donated the shingles and labor for the structure’s roof. The committee raised $23,000 through donations from area nonprofit organizations, business and residents.
“There were some naysayers,” Green said of some residents who wanted to keep the town common entirely open, similar to the way it was when militias held drills on it back in the day. “I think now that they see it, they’re more accepting of it.”
What a beautiful space it is. The white structure has gray floors and a light gray ceiling. The lighting is bright enough to illuminate those standing below it, but not overwhelmingly bright. A bench donated by the Orford-Fairlee Lions Club in honor of Beth Bleauvelt, sits off to the right. There are plans to add more landscaping.
“It’s a venue for some great live music and we hope that it will continue to grow,” McCormack said. “The community was wonderful to help.”
The bandstand is open to the public. This year, students used it for prom pictures, Cougle said. There have also been plays and are future plans to hold outdoor movies using a projection screen.
At Christmastime, solar lights decorated the structure.
“I think that was a real turning point for a lot of people,” Cougle said. “They say it’s a lot nicer than they ever thought it would be.”
During the concerts, the committee invites area organizations to sell refreshments to raise money for their causes. The bandstand committee continues to fundraise through raffles, selling strawberry shortcake and selling T-shirts.
“It’s been a very grassroots project and it happened,” Green said.
The Orford Bandstand Committee is a great example of what happens when community-minded residents get together for a common, joyful purpose. Attend a concert at the bandstand to check it out for yourself.
Concert Schedule
Note: All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are held rain or shine. The address for the bandstand is 785 Route 10. For more information, call 603-353-4220.
June 23: Gerry Grimo and East Bay Jazz Ensemble. (Strawberry shortcake for sale, $5).
July 7: A performance by the band Jolene. Light refreshments provided by the Orford Historical Society.
July 11: Local talent night. To participate, contact Dan Freihofer at 603-620-4840 or dan.friehofer@gmail.com. Light refreshments provided by Mt. Cube Masonic Association.
July 21: A performance by The Red Hat Band. Light refreshments provided by the Rivendell Class of 2021.
Aug. 11: A performance by The Lefty Yunger Band. Light refreshments provided by the Friends of the Orford Libraries.
Aug. 25: A performance by The Dixie Dinos with Dan Freihofer. Chicken barbecue sold by the Lions Club.
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
