The Col. George L. Pittenger Memorial Band Shell was built in 1954, using funds donated by his son, Mr. George W. Pittenger. The Band Shell has hosted many outdoor concerts and shows over the years, and is a beloved local landmark. In 2007, approximately 3,000 people attended over 25 events at the Band Shell, including concerts and movies.
The City Recreation Department maintains the schedule for events at the Band Shell. If your group is interested in performing at the Band Shell, or holding an event there, please contact the Rec Dept. at (618) 533-7676.
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| Application for Use of the Band Shell |  download | |
| If you are interested in scheduling an event at the Band Shell - Please print this application and return it to the City Recreation Department. |
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Monsanto Grant brings Seats to Band Shell
Thanks to the Generosity of the Monsanto Corporation - the Centralia Band Shell has seats again. The $10,000 community grant from the Monsanto Fund allowed the City of Centralia to purchase 20 new benches and 4 matching waste cans for the historic venue. The Band Shell has been without seats for 10 years, since the old wooded benches were removed due to deterioration.
City Public Property crews install the benches just before the Halloween Parade. The Children's Parade culminates each year with awards presented on the Band Shell stage.
Bandshell Restoration
At left is a view of the Pittenger Bandshell after the first round of painting removed the graffiti from the rear of the stage area in summer 2005. Years of grafitti and water damage had turned the once proud and beautiful facility into an eyesore!
On the right we see that volunteers as well as professional painters brought the bandshell back to life. Isn't it beautiful!
Continuing projects include improving the perimeter railing, the rear porch, stage drains and bathrooms.
Where Are the Seats?
Many people remember the Band Shell's full complement of seating. The shell used to seat approximately 1000 people on "comfortable" bench seating.
The seats were removed more than a decade ago, due to deterioration.
Although 20 new benches were installed in the fall of 2006, thanks to a generous donation from the Monsanto Corporation, today, those who watch movies or concerts at the Band Shell are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
During the 2005 and 2006, the Band Shell hosted up to 300 people per show on blankets and camp chairs for the Centralia Recreation Department's "Movies at the Band Shell" series before any seating was installed.
