By Jennifer Theurer

As plans for summer celebrations get under way, those that work closely with the Wakefield Birthday Bash saw several needs in the community.

“We usually rent that trailer that comes in for our stage for the weekend,” Betsey Liebau, who is helping spearhead the stage project. “And it’s just aging.”

There has been a lot of discussion about improvements that could be made to add energy, culture and safety to Wakefield.

“We’ve talked a lot in the past about replacing the amphitheater that was taken out by the last flood,” she said. “We’re thinking ahead to movies in the park and maybe some concerts.”

Kansas weather is playing a part in the stage’s design as well.

“The month that the campground is open, that’s a little concerning because those are higher weather months,” Liebau said. “We do have one storm shelter in town but it’s across town for the campground use.”

The group has collected some FEMA money from the city and a private donation towards the project.

“We just feel like it’s time to move forward with a more permanent solution,” she said.