ARLINGTON – Two musicians with roots in Arlington and their team of workers will be honored at the Fall into Art Auction Oct. 20 for building the new covered stage in Legion Park.
The group, which donated time, labor and materials to design and build the stage, will be named 2018 Art Advocates of Arlington by the Arlington Arts Council, which hosts the annual auction.
The stage project was initiated by Johnny Green, from cowboy band Johnny Green and The Pack String, and friend Darren Massingale. Green said he was inspired by the Old West town of Winthrop.
After recruiting support from fellow entertainers and friends in the construction trades, Green and Massingale approached the Arlington City Council last year, offering volunteers to design and build a stage. When it became apparent they would need more money, the city’s community revitalization manager, Sarah Lopez, received a city tourism grant of $12,000 to cover the cost of materials. Cash donations were offered by Downtown Arlington Business Association and others.
The number of volunteers are too numerous to mention, but they include:
•Carpenter/musicians Pete Frothingham of The Folsoms and members of Green’s band.
•Skookum Brewery founder Ron Walsher and distiller Dave McGlothern, steel guitar player Kenny Alvers, and others.
•Electrical work was by Craig Holt and others.
•The concrete foundation and dance floor were installed by Spencer Cave of Bayshore Concrete with help from many others.
•Materials and equipment were donated by Smokey Point Concrete and others.
Green said it was a fun project. “It all came together.”
Help celebrate
The Fall into Art Auction Oct. 20 at Gleneagle Country Club is an elegant “Black and White Affair” that celebrates all kinds of arts in Arlington. The council’s major fundraiser includes two silent auctions, a live auction, dinner, dessert dash, and free beverage for those who arrive before 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person at Flowers by George, 355 N. Olympic Ave., or call AAC treasurer Jean Olson at 360-435-5866.
