Organizers have planned a weekend filled with music in Iola.
Now, they have a backup plan in case the weather doesnt cooperate.
Mike Jewell, organizer of the upcoming Lehigh Roots Festival at Elks Lake, received permission Monday from Iola City Council members to relocate to the John Silas Bass Community Building if stormy weather arrives Friday or Saturday.
Long-range forecasts call for better-than-not chance of thunderstorms Saturday, including some that may be severe.
Had the forecast been for simple rain showers, Jewell said he wouldnt think twice about keeping the festival in place.
But with lightning, it gets a lot more dangerous, he said. Were not going to set it up if it looks dangerous.
The community building would be solely as a backup venue, he stressed, noting the logistics of moving stage equipment to a much smaller facility like the North Community Building would make for a difficult chore.
Likewise, the North Community Building is unable to sustain the same crowd size as Elks Lake, Jewell added. But if its raining, there are probably a lot of people who wont come.
In allowing use of the facility, Council members approved a variance from usage rules, which prohibit private groups from charging admission to a function on city property.
Proceeds from ticket sales go to the Elks Charitable Works program, which assists multiple local projects.
Also, alcohol will be allowed inside the building, Jewell said, although no alcohol sales will be conducted by the Elks.
Councilwoman Nancy Ford noted the city allows alcohol consumption in the building for other private events, such as wedding receptions.
Council members voted, 6-0, to allow the buildings use, if needed. Council members Ron Ballard and Danny Mathew were absent.
The two-day festival runs 7-11 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday, with a number of regional acts on the playbill, including the Ben Miller Band, Brody Buster, Deadman Flats, Just Passin Through and local entertainers Joey Evans and Hannah Andersen.
COUNCIL members approved disbursement of $60,000 in convention and tourism funds to 10 local groups. Recipients are:
Iola Area Chamber of Commerce, $23,300
Bowlus Fine Arts Center, $20,000
Allen County Fair, $5,000
Veterans Day Parade/Committee, $3,000
Farm-City Days, $2,500
Fearless Fred Trolley, $2,500
Pickleball group, $1,000
Rotary Day in the Park, $1,000
Lehigh Roots Festival, $1,000
Southwind Rail Trail, $700
On top of those disbursements, the city pays about $20,000 annually to the Allen County Historical Society, plus $6,500 annually to the Iola Municipal Band and $420 annually to insure the Fearless Fred trolley.
