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Caras Park—Missoula's Town Square: A investment for all of the residents in our community. The place we know as Caras Park used to be under water when the river ran up against the Historic Wilma Theatre. Over the years, it has evolved into Missoula's premiere Town Square…a place for our community to gather for special events, a place to engage with our neighbors, and celebrate all that Missoula has to offer. Events in Caras Park became a reality in the early 1980s with the Montana Rep Riverfront Summer Theatre, and the introduction of Out to Lunch in 1986. Caras Park has enjoyed more than 25 wonderful years of community gatherings. Over the years, Caras has seen three tent configurations. The original orange and brown tent was purchased from a traveling circus show in the early 1980s. The blue, turquoise and white tent and its matching band shell were made in the late 1980s. The permanent Caras Park Pavilion Missoulians now enjoy was constructed in 1997 for $600,000. More than $300,000 of that investment was raised and borrowed by the Missoula Downtown Association to complete the project. The Missoula Downtown Association manages, maintains, and leases Caras Park for both public and private events. Caras Park has been home to more than 1000 events over the course of 12 years. These events have drawn nearly one million individuals to the city's premiere park on the Clark Fork River. Each year it serves as a strong economic driver for Downtown and brings the community together in ways that no other Missoula destination can. The future of Caras Park is bright, but this special place needs continued improvements and investment. The white canopy has a finite lifespan, the structure needs a fresh coat of paint, and the brick surface needs attention. A new performance canopy, stage, and electrical system is necessary to accommodate continued use of the facilities, and improved landscaping and irrigation are also needed. All told, the needed improvements to be implemented in the next three years will cost approximately half a million dollars. Your donation will ensure a vibrant, beautiful and thriving Caras Park for many years to come. ---PAGE BREAK--- Proposed Band Shell Addition: Site Plan: Phase I Goal: $160,000 by October 2010 Overall Goal: $500,000 by June 2012 Please make your pledge for Caras Park today! Your generous investment will benefit our community for many years to come. Mail your contribution to: Missoula Downtown Foundation 218 East Main Street, Suite C Missoula, MT 59802 (406) 543-4238 Missoula Downtown Foundation Federal Tax ID# 27-1872344. missouladowntown.com Today, the Missoula Downtown Association is requesting your commitment to improving Missoula's Town Square by making a significant capital contribution. The MDA has pledged $25,000 for the next three years—a total of $75,000 —to kick off the campaign. All park users—event planners, attendees, performers, vendors and more—are asked to contribute whatever amount is comfortable. Pledges are payable to the Missoula Downtown Foundation, created this year to help generate long-term funding and tax incentives for implementation of the Downtown Master Plan. As envisioned in the Downtown Master Plan, these improvements will help Caras Park maintain its position as a major destination venue in the heart of the city. Today, Caras Park is home to many major Missoula events, as well as private affairs such as weddings and reunions. Many of the major Caras Park events are admission-free events planned and produced by the MDA, including: • Out to Lunch Summer Series • Downtown ToNight Summer Series • Garden City BrewFest • Garden City River Rod Run • River City Roots Festival The Missoula Downtown Association is dedicated to ensuring that Missoula residents and visitors alike have a positive experience using Caras Park. Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to the Missoula Downtown Foundation and ensure the long-term future of this beloved facility. Caras Park