The dedication ceremony for the Westside Park pavilion was held Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m.
The afternoon festivities at the park included an ice-cream social that started at 2:30 p.m.
The Jim Markum swing band performed before a crowd of over 200 people from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.
The crowd enjoyed the excellent renditions of oldtime songs from the 1940's with some of the
spectators breaking out into dance on the sidewalks. Mother nature
also cooperated as the weather turned out to be sunny and not as hot and humid as previous days.
The dedication ceremony started at 5:15 with an opening speech by Dave Uphoff who thanked all of
those who donated their time and their money to help build the pavilion which is a war memorial to
replace the bandstand that was constructed in 1922 as a World War I memorial. He mentioned contractor Randy Kleen,
plumber Rich Berschorner, and electrican Brian Kirkton as the main volunteers who helped make
the construction of the pavilion with volunteer labor possible. He also cited the support of the
area labor unions and trade unions. He said the pavilion was built for 1/3 the cost of the bids
received by other contractors. Uphoff, who had his 63rd
birthday that day, told the crowd that this was the best birthday present he ever had. He said that
the project to replace the bandstand was started by him, Clara Fewell, and Judy Reeser in 1988.
Mayor Mark Spencer then cut the ribbon to officially dedicate the pavilion. Westside Park Pavilion Committee
Chairman Dean Barth told the crowd that it was a team effort that made the construction of the pavilion possible.
Reverend Dan Gansch-Boyth gave the invocation which was followed by his wife, Pam, who sang "God Bless
America".
Local American Legion Commander Larry Miles then introduced the guest speaker Art Ambros who is the
Senior Vice Commander - Illinois Department American Legion. Mr. Ambros congratulated those who were involved
in building the pavilion to preserve a war memorial. He said it is important to remember those who served
our country and said that the soldiers who are now serving in Iraq are the finest of men. Mr. Ambros
concluded by asking the crowd to join him in singing a birthday song for Dave Uphoff.
The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer by Reverend Harry Sanders and the playing of taps by Wade
Seggerman.
After the dedication ceremony, a combined church service was held.
Click here to see more pictures of the dedication.
Mayor Mark Spencer cuts the ribbon at the dedication of the Westside Park pavilion.