SIKESTON -- Renovations to the Malone Park Bandstand are nearing completion, just in time for one of the year's final events at the historic site.
"There is some finishing work left to be done," said Monique Rice, a concerned citizen and volunteer who helped spearhead the project.
However, since work began in 2005 to renovate the structure, dated in 1912, it has gotten a facelift through general repairs such as new lights and wiring, a fresh coat of paint and new landscaping. Most recently, tin panels were installed in its ceiling.
And this weekend, the bandstand will be utilized for the Historic Midtown Development Group for "Santa in the Bandstand." From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, children are invited to come out for pictures with the jolly old man, and free cookies and hot chocolate are also served..
Brandon Kuehn, executive director of the Historic Midtown Development Group, spoke of the bandstand and park's worth. "We use it several times a year for big events and it's also used by others for smaller events, such as weddings," he said. "It's just an invaluable structure to have."
Some other events the HMDG hosts there, utilizing the bandstand as a stage or photo backdrop, include the Easter egg hunt and brunch with the Easter Bunny, the Halloween Family Fun Day costume contest, and the summer ice cream social and car show.
The area and bandstand is also utilized by families for a casual day of fun at the park.
"Kids play on (the bandstand) when they're in the park," said Kuehn. "It's unique and a valuable history lesson to children who grow up playing on what their grandparents grew up playing on."
Rice agreed. That is one of the reasons behind the renovations. "Malone Park is an historical feature that needs to be preserved for the families of Sikeston," she said. "It is, I would say, one of the oldest parks in Scott County, and it's very important that the bandstand stays."
But just because the work, done mainly by volunteers Joe Green and Dan Jones, as well as other organizations such as the Boy Scouts, is about done, it doesn't mean the devotion to the park will end. The "Malone Park Enhancement Fund" has been established for future repairs, as well as other plans, such as adding a new sign and benches.
"And any money that is donated to that fund goes right back into that park," said Rice.
Kuehn noted how the bandstand is nearly as iconic to Sikeston -- especially the downtown area -- as the Columns.
"You see a picture of those and you think 'downtown Sikeston,'" he said. "It's important to take care of it as a part of Sikeston's heritage."
In fact, the HMDG chose the bandstand at the subject of it's Christmas ornament this year. It is the second such figurine, with the first one featuring the columns.
Rice said that she hopes, in another 10 to 20 years when big repairs are again needed, a new generation will step up to do the job.
"You can't let it fall apart," she said. The last major renovations prior to these, she said, were done in the 1970s.
It's encouraging to her to see the wide support behind the renovation efforts.
"The city of Sikeston and citizens have been very supportive of the project," she said. "And what really makes the project work is the community involvement."
Whether it's donations of money, materials or time, several people have pitched in, according to Rice. And the efforts haven't gone unnoticed.
"People say 'This is a great thing you're doing' or 'What can we do to help,'" said Rice.
Donations for the Malone Park Enhancement Fund may be mailed to: P.O. Box 189, Sikeston, MO, 63801.