Bassett Foundation, Inc.

Bassett Nebraska is a rural town in a geographic area called the Sandhills. 

The community is surrounded by some of the largest cattle ranches in the country.  The population of Bassett is 636, but many of the families in the community are 3rd or 4th generation ranchers.  Bassett and Rock County will be celebrating its Q125 anniversary in 2013.  Community entertainment and activities are a large part of the Bassett area and have been for a number of years.  The band shell is located in between the City Park and the Rock County Fair Grounds and was built in 1954.  This is the site for many of the celebrations and entertainment activities that keep our community connected and provide a quality of life for which Bassett is known. 

The Bassett Sale Barn is one of the largest in the area and they will be celebrating their 50th anniversary this summer of 2011.  The Bassett Sale Barn would like to have a band and dance at the band shell for all of the area ranchers.  This location is perfect because the Sale Barn and the band shell are very close in age.  The Q125 committee has several events planned at the band shell as part of the community's upcoming celebration.  The Q125 celebration will bring returning alumnae and many families who have moved away from the area to celebrate the community in which they grew up.  It will be an important time to showcase our community.  Maybe some who visit will realize they would like to come back and raise their family in this close knit community. 

The main improvement needed is to upgrade the electrical work to support sound and lighting for musical and theatrical  events.  The band shell is the only stage area in the community besides the high school gymnasium.  The structure also needs some wall patching, concrete repair, and new paint. 

The Bassett Foundation, Inc. has recently established a fund for donors to support the renovation and continued maintenance of the band shell.  If funds are not raised to make the necessary improvements, the facility will fall into such disrepair that it will probably have to be removed for safety reasons.  When talking to residents of Bassett, I have heard many heartwarming stories about how couples have met or celebrated a special anniversary at a dance held at the Bassett Band Shell.  Children's theater productions have been held in the structure as well as special recognition events. 

While the Bassett Concert Band doesn't exist anymore, the community would like to again hold outdoor concerts, and/or outdoor movies for the community.  With an improved facility, the future is limitless for the number and types of entertainment events that could be held.  This structure is not fancy or ornate, but means a great deal to the community and It Matters!

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