Kudos to all involved in the International Falls Rotary Club and Backus Community Center taking the lead on producing what’s become an annual summer concert in the community.
The last two concerts were produced by the city’s Economic Development Authority to get the event started, and now it’s time to pass that event on to the two entities who have been long known for their contributions to the community.
Clearly, the event benefited by the EDA and city organizing and developing the plans needed to offer such a successful event. With that legwork complete, these two groups can now carry the load and reap what we hope will be huge profits that will be felt throughout the community.
It made sense to thoroughly review the past two concerts. The first concert made a profit of $11,000, which was used as seed money for the second concert held last year, which showed a loss of $1,000. It’s important that all involved know this information before anyone, including the city, goes forward with another.
While this area is known for its wonderful natural resources that draw residents and visitors alike, not everyone in this community has easy access to a boat that can open up Rainy Lake to endless days of fun. The annual summer concert, held on the EDA’s property along the beautiful Rainy River, gives many people another way to enjoy the summer.
And these concerts may not be considered economic development in the strictest sense, but it does provide a quality of life that is attractive to businesses and residents seeking to relocate.
Combined with other annual events, including the Fourth of July celebrations and the International Falls Bass Championship, the summer concert is a great addition to our community. We wish International Falls Rotary Club and Backus Community Center every success in planning, organizing and producing the annual summer concerts.
