IRON MOUNTAIN - Iron Mountain Main Street officials are seeking votes from the public to win $25,000 from the Pepsi Refresh Project for construction of a downtown performing arts stage.
"Pepsi is seeking ideas that make us think, inspire us and ignite participation," said Jonathan Ringel, Iron Mountain Main Street Manager. "Ideas that make good things better, improve situations or refresh."
The Pepsi Refresh Project will award $5,000, $25,00, $50,000 and $250,000 to individuals and organizations that turn good ideas into projects that make a difference and benefit the community.
Iron Mountain will receive $25,000 in the arts and culture category if they make it to the top 10.
Area residents are encouraged to vote for the Iron Mountain performance stage at www.refresheverything.com now through March 31. Winners will be announced April 1.
Ringel said even if Iron Mountain does not receive the $25,000 for this project, the stage, which is in the design stages, will still be built by summer.
Funds will come from private donations and the Downtown Development Authority.
Ringel said the stage will be a simple, classical design with a foundation, post, roof and low-risers in sandstone to match the downtown historic look of the H&R Building, located at 219 East Hughitt St.
"It will be really simple, but not too difficult," Ringel said.
The proposed permanent stage will replace the temporary performing space utilized by the Out to Lunch series for the past decade at the intersection of Hughitt Street and Iron Mountain Street.
The permanent stage will provide for year-round entertainment for student concerts, evening movies, poetry readings, and special music during downtown events.
Ringel said he is hoping this stage will also allow for Friday night movies in the summer, entertainment by high school bands and other community events.
Although there is music provided in the downtown area for visitors to enjoy, Ringel said it would be more fun to have live music or a concert series going on at the same time.
"This performance space will be a real asset to the community and enhance the visual image of the downtown," said Barb Kramer of the Iron Mountain Main Street Design Committee. "We are looking forward to having year-round entertainment in an attractive outdoor setting."
Ringel added this stage could be a focal or gathering point for the community as the downtown area does not have a central location or a park. He said the area is a good space that compliments the landscaping.
There are 1,093 Pepsi Refresh Projects vying for money in the Pepsi Refresh project. Ringel said Houghton is also vying for money for a project through Pepsi.
Interested persons should visit www.refresheverything.com, click on Arts & Culture, then Vote For 'near you, $25,000' to vote for the Iron Mountain Main Street /DDA Community Performance Stage.
He added there is no cost to do so, and the support is appreciated.
"This project will help support the Main Street mission of cultivating a unique and quality atmosphere that attracts and retain businesses, shoppers, and residents to our downtown," Ringel said. "Someone interested in seeing the community progress and move forward should vote for this project."
For additional information on the Pepsi Refresh Project, visit the Iron Mountain Main Street Web site at www.ironmountaindowntown.com, or call 774-8530.
This year's Out to Lunch concert series begins in June and is part of the annual Dickinson County Festival of the Arts.
Lisa M. Hoffmann's e-mail address is lhoffmann@ironmountaindailynews.com.