Dairyland has donated a total of $10,000 to the La Crosse Bandshell Project in support of a new acoustical shell covering the historic bandstand in Riverside Park.

Dairyland contributed $5,000, which was matched in full by CoBank, a national cooperative bank, through CoBank’s Sharing Success program.

The acoustic design of the shell will reflect sound to audiences, provide ambient lighting and shelter performers from weather. The bandshell will be used and supported by many key local organizations for entertainment and education, including Moon Tunes, La Crosse Concert Band, La Crosse Jazz Orchestra, Rotary Lights and Riverfest. The goal is to have the shell completed by May 2020.

"Thousands of people from throughout the region come every year to enjoy entertainment in Riverside Park," said Brian Rude, Dairyland Vice President, External and Member Relations. "As a cooperative, we are committed to supporting local communities. The new acoustic bandshell will enhance the experience for the guests and performers, which will in turn have a positive impact on tourism."

Headquartered outside Denver, Colo., CoBank is a national cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states.