Roy Essary Memorial Stage Project

Remembering Roy Essary

The Porter Peach Festival is an annual tradition for many across the area. The longevity and success of the Peach Festival is attributable to the hard work and dedication of numerous community volunteers over the last 6 decades, but arguably none more so than Roy Essary. For years, Roy was a staple on Main Street, in his yellow Lions Club shirt, making sure that all the details that go into putting on a three day festival came together. As a long-term member of the Lions Club, Roy served as the Peach Festival Chairman for many of those years. There are few facets of the Porter Peach Festival that do not bear Roy's influence. Roy passed away this December, after a courageous battle against Lewy Body Dementia and Covid-19. We can not think of a better way to honor Roy's legacy than by looking forward to the future of the Peach Festival here in Porter for years to come. A much needed stage makeover to allow us to continue to showcase local musicians and host Peach Festival activities in the future will bear Roy's name, ensuring that Roy's legacy will be remembered for many more Festivals.

The Lions Club is raising funds to repair, expand and upgrade the current grandstand located in Tourist Park. Needed improvements that will be completed as part of the project are:

• Building new wings to both sides of the stage to accommodate larger groups;
• Repainting the existing metal structure;
• Adding new underlayment and floor decking on stage;
• Adding a slatted backdrop to stage;
• Closing in the bottom of the stage with metal/wood;
• Constructing new stairs and handrails;
• Repairing/painting the existing metal roof;
• Adding sound absorbing panels to interior ceiling;
• Upgrading existing and adding new lighting and electrical.
• Creating a "Roy Essary Memorial Stage" sign.

If funds are raised over the $10,000 needed for the stage renovations, money will be used to continue further improvements in Tourist Park (In Memory of Danny Boyd) where the Roy Essary Memorial Stage is located. Contemplated improvements are adding bathrooms, recreating the Peach Capital of Oklahoma mural, and seating.