The entrance to the new auditorium is just west of the main entrance of the Washington High School. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

The grand opening of the Washington Area Performing Arts and Events Center is just two weeks away. On October 9th, the stage will have it’s first show with a cappella group Tonic Sol-fa, followed by a dinner that will benefit the high school band trip to Florida in the spring.

Bob Younquist and Jan Gallagher who have been working on organizing and fundraising for the project for years said they are excited and “it’s wonderful to see it become a reality.” They’ve been working on the project for over six years.

The total project cost was $7.2 million, and was paid for in part by a $2.5 million grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, a $1.1 million school bond referendum, $800,000 from Vision Iowa and over $2.6 million in private donations.

Reservations for the grand opening show and dinner can be made online at WashingtonAuditorium.org.