The Big Valley Amphitheatre had lots of community support and fans as it hosted an opening concert at the drop-in centre on Saturday, Aug. 27 despite the cold and heavy showers. Performing at the concert was the band Me &The Mrs, who actually had a part in the revival of the amphitheatre.
"Because of the weather, our actual grand opening will likely take place next spring," said Asaph Johnson, who spearheaded the drive for the new renovations and opening of the amphitheatre. "However, anticipating that the weather might not cooperate, we reserved our drop-in centre just in case, but 'just in case' came down in buckets about 6 p.m."
The Big Valley Amphitheatre was built in 2000 when Len Waters was the mayor, and Barry Clark was the visionary and foreman for the project.
"Both thought of ways to increase tourism to Big Valley," added Johnson. "After it was built, no one seemed ready to make it work."
Johnson said that there was an occasional event, but it languished and was used very little over the past years.
"Since we moved here in 2012, it has been something at the back of my mind that it should be utilized as per the original idea," explained Johnson.
In late June when the band Me & the Mrs from Rosebud contacted Johnson, the idea was resurrected.
"With the help of my friend Seth, we bought paint and freshened it up, while the others weeded it," said Johnson. "Personally I enjoyed the evening very much."
According to Johnson, future concerts are already being planned.
"But unless someone is brave enough to rent the amphitheatre in September, we will look to an early spring grand opening in 2017," said Johnson. "I am quite open to ideas from anyone who has someone they would like to see perform in Big Valley."
Johnson said that he would like to thank Big Valley Public Works and his friends Seth, Mike and Sue in addition to those who dared the weather to attend the first, new, Big Valley Amphitheatre concert.