DE PERE - The $1.8 million Nelson Family Pavilion at Voyageur Park will celebrate its grand opening Friday night with a free concert, beer, food tents and peak summer weather.
De Pere’s newest community amenity is a year-round, multi-use facility with a wrap-around patio that doubles as a stage and overlooks the park’s grassy bowl and the Fox River. It’s expected to host events big and small, from private rentals for weddings and family reunions to festivals and concerts that draw thousands of people, said Marty Kosobucki, director of De Pere Parks, Recreation and Forestry.
Construction began in October 2023. Funding came from local donors, including facility sponsors, the David L. and Rita E. Nelson family.
"We love it. I think it has turned out great," said Kosobucki, who is hoping for 3,000 to 4,000 people on Friday night. "The big thing is we've got to start using it. Sometimes you never know what you're missing until you start using it, but we are super happy with how it has turned out."
Who's playing for the grand opening and what else is happening?
Ribbon cutting, 5 p,m.
Singer-songwriter Jackson Mankowski, 5:15 to 6:45 pm.
Rock cover band Johnny Wad, celebrating its 25th year, 7 to 10 p.m.
There will also be bag boards and other yard games early in the evening.
Do I need to bring my own chair or blanket?
You’re welcome to. There will also be about 50 to 75 high wooden round tables people can stand around and some picnic tables on the grounds.
What about food and drink?
De Pere Parks, Recreation and Forestry will be selling beer and other beverages out of the pavilion. There will be a food truck as well as a food tent staffed by a De Pere High School parent group selling burgers, brats and hot dogs.
How does the weather look on Friday?
Perfect. The National Weather Service forecast calls for sunny skies and a high of 80 degrees and a low of 60 degrees at night.
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What other events are planned at the pavilion yet this summer?
The parks department’s July De Pere Beer Gardens event, originally scheduled for 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 23, was rained out and will move to Tuesday outside the pavilion, with music by Brent Bel and Dani Maus, food trucks, craft beer and family games.
The De Pere Beer Garden on Aug. 27, featuring music by The Cheese Doodles, will also be at the pavilion.
It's a free event.
The pavilion will host the final De Pere City Band concert of the season from 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 8. The theme for the evening’s free performance is “Around the World."
Kendra Meinert is an entertainment and feature writer at the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at 920-431-8347 or kmeinert@greenbay.gannett.com . Follow her on X @KendraMeinert .
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: De Pere's new $1.8 million Nelson Family Pavilion opens Friday night with free concert by Johnny Wad, Jackson Mankowski
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