The East Park Band Shell is a historic structure located within East Park. The band shell was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. In 2014 it was included as a contributing property in the East Park Historic District. The Band Shell has been host to many events including Moonlight Movies, Civil War Reenactment, Church Services, Band Concerts, and Band Festival Events.
Features:
Stage
Seating Area
Electrical Outlets
Drinking Fountain within Walking Distance
Playground Equipment and Walking Trails
Restroom Facility
Reservations and Availability:
The East Park Band Shell may be reserved May – September.
Facility Usage Fee is $50 (4 hours), $80 (8 hours), or $125 (all day) plus $50 deposit.
Fee Must Accompany Reservation Request Form.
Reservations are Non-Refundable.
Call 641-421-3673 for more information.
History: The city acquired the first 40 acres for East Park in 1909. F.E. Pease designed the park with its two entrances off of State Street, the curving drives, a small pond, tennis courts, and a music pavilion. In 1920 the Mason City Chamber of Commerce organized a municipal band made up of professional musicians from around the country to give a series of summer concerts. James M. Fulton from Boston was the conductor, and Mason City native Meredith Willson played the flute and piccolo.
The band utilized a portable bandstand for their concerts until the Band Shell was dedicated on July 24, 1924. It was designed by a local draftsman named Lester Lewis. It was also among the first structures built in East Park. Concerts and other civic activities have been held here ever since. During the period of time that Carleton Stewart was the conductor (1937-1963) several changes were made to the band shell. An addition was built onto the rear, the front of the stage was extended to create an apron, the vertical board and batten siding was added to the facade, and a stone veneer was applied to the front of the apron.
