Ten weeks out from the National Qualiifer NPC Southern USA & IFBB Pro Battle on the Beach in Daytona Beach Nellie Hawley put together a history of the the landmark Bandshell. Here tis: Daytona Beach Bandshell by Nellie Hawley Jan. 15, 2015 Beginning 1936 in an effort to revitalize what was becoming a run down part of Daytona Beach’s oceanfront and to stimulate the economy during the depression construction of the Bandshell began as a community-use project by the Federal Government Works Project Administration (WPA). This was a 48’ X 114’stucture built of natural coquina rock with seating for 4,000. It had the latest state of the art sound system available at the time with sound evenly distributed throughout the venue. On July 4, 1937 even before final completion a dedication was held with a record crowd of 25,000 on hand in the city that included motorcycle races on the beach, a baseball game at the ballpark, a parade as well as a Bandshell Concert. For decades the Bandshell was the center of Downtown Daytona and was the scene for bathing beauty contests, vaudeville and boardwalk carnival dances and many musical events. Over time the Bandshell fell into disuse and disrepair. In 1996 a not-for-profit corporation the Friends of the Bandshell was formed with a specific goal of restoring the Bandshell and bringing back free entertainment to area residents and visitors. Through the efforts of the Friends of the Bandshell a partnership for restoration was established with the City of Daytona, The Ocean Walk Alliance and the Adams Mark Hotel. Many improvements have been made. Free concerts are available made possible by volunteers, corporate and individual sponsors, donations and grants. The Daytona Beach Bandshcll is a cornerstone of modern Daytona Beach and well worth a visit to enjoy its present day offerings and reflect on its historical significance. floridafitnessphotography/Battle_on_beach_southern_usa.html
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 02:08:18 +0000
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