Two words best describe the performing arts offerings- variety and quality.  Productions have included Mark Twain, Ragtime Piano, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Uncle Phil’s Diner, Smoke on the Mountain and Tuesdays with Morrie.  These offerings have routinely entertained patrons from over a 50 mile radius.  Historical educational programs are offered several times throughout the year.

Located at the corner of Cass and Ohio Streets (one block east of the Court House square in Sidney, Iowa) the remodeled facility will accommodate 80 people comfortably in a sit down catered meal arrangement and 110 in a theater style seating arrangement.  Community uses of the facility have included family gatherings, graduation receptions, class reunions, Presidential campaign stops, baby and wedding showers, weddings, funeral and memorial services, organization annual meetings and banquets, land auctions, retirement parties, wedding anniversaries,  and teen dances just to name a few.

The facility may be rented by area families and organizations by contacting facility manager Sharon Barrett at 712/374-2487 or at GatheringPlace@FremontCountyHistorical.org.

2010 Season

“The Gathering Place” season will open February 27th with a two weekend run of “Over the River and Through the Woods”.  In this warm and hilarious comedy Nick has dinner with his four doting Italian-American grandparents every Sunday.  The grandparents look forward to this as Nick is the only grandchild who is close enough for this weekly visit.  All is well until Nick announces his plans to accept a “dream job” in far away Seattle.  The grandparents can’t imagine their life without him and plan a series of schemes to keep him close. 

“Canteen Fremont” will open May30th, Memorial Day weekend, with one performance and follow the next weekend with three additional performances.  For this production “The Gathering Place” is transformed into a World War II era GI Canteen.   This musical revue will feature popular music of the period, including many memorable patriotic numbers appropriate to Memorial Day festivities.  Seated around tables with friends and an unlimited supply of popcorn, snack treats, and soft drinks this “feel good” production will feature some of the best of the area’s emerging young talent.  We promise you will go home with “I’m proud to be an American” feeling.

The season will close with a two weekend run of the musical comedy “Plaid Tidings” opening on December 10th.  The “Plaids” are returning to The Gathering Place with a brand new show all tied-up in a nifty package with a big Christmas bow on top.  Filled with Christmas standards that have been “Plaiderized”, our boys are back to do their Christmas Special.  At first they are not sure why they’ve returned, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world.

A new three tier ticket price schedule is being introduced this season.  No, prices are not going up, but we do have some new options for our patrons to choose from.  Single Performance Tickets will be:  Adults - $15, Seniors - $13, and Students - $10.  For those who wish to attend all three productions we offer reduced prices with a Season Ticket Punch Card:  Adults - $40, Seniors - $35, and Students - $25.  The Season Ticket option would make excellent Christmas presents so please consider this as you place your own personal ticket order.

For more information about the season schedule or to order Season Tickets contact Lynn or Marilyn Benson at 712-374-2320

 

The First Baptist church of Sidney was organized at the residence of James Bobbitt about 2 miles SW of Sidney on June 12, 1852.  For some time they met in members’ homes and later in the county courthouse.  Soon members realized they needed a church building and though money was scarce, they went to work and constructed a brick building 37 x 44 feet in size.  In August of 1858 they commenced to use the church although it was not finished until 1862.  By now there were 46 members.

In 1891 the old brick church was considered unsafe and was sold.  While a new church was being built they used the Christian Church facilities.  The new church, which cost $3000, was first used in 1893 and finished and dedicated in 1895.  For over 70 years the building that the Gathering Place currently resides in was home to the First Baptist Church of Sidney.  It was here that its members “gathered” for worship, baptisms, weddings, funerals and a whole host of social events and activities.

After the church was disbanded in 1966 the property was gifted to the Fremont County Historical Society who used it as a meeting place for the society’s programs.  Several groups, most recently the Lutheran Church, also used it as their worship center.

Since renovations were completed in 2006 the facility serves as a “Gathering Place” for the citizens of Fremont County to enjoy educational and quality performing arts programs sponsored by, or in cooperation with, the Historical Society.

Upcoming Events

February 27, 2010
Over the River and Through the Woods

May 30, 2010
Canteen Fremont

December 10, 2010
Plaid Tidings

Current Exhibits

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