Excuse the pun, but it seems like everyone in Aitkin is “on board” for a unique community project.

By its Aug. 5-6, 2017, “Riverboat Days” celebration, the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce plans to have renovated the former Grand Rapids Showboat for arts, education and entertainment.

The showboat will be located at the Aitkin County Fairgrounds not far from the Mississippi River and used to host year-round family entertainment.

“We continue to hear more and more from visitors that they want to have more of an experience when they come to town,” said Amanda MacDonald, Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Our plans are to have family-oriented live shows and performances there and decorate it for holidays. We also see it as a gathering place and an opportunity to start special events like our 5K run there.” 

For 60 years, the showboat served as a center of entertainment along the shores of the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids. But when the nonprofit operating the showboat dissolved, the Aitkin Chamber of Commerce moved to acquire the 16-by-45-foot boat. 

“We’ve been a Mississippi Riverboat town with no riverboat on it,” said MacDonald.

Along with the boat, the chamber acquired 1,000 seats, a warehouse full of costumes, sound equipment, lighting, and a parade float.

To restore the boat to its original condition, a new rubber roof, concrete pad to set the boat on, electrical and metal work, painting and landscaping, will be completed.

“Every week we have someone in our office that wants to know what they can do to help,” said MacDonald. “And people from Grand Rapids are also really excited for this. They feel it has a new life, and its close enough so they want to help.”   

The $20,000 project, which is supported by an IRRRB Culture and Tourism grant, will boost tourism and quality of life within the community.

“We see this as something that will be used not just for tourism, but also for one-act plays, musical performances and other entertainment,” said MacDonald.

On Friday, Jan. 27, the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce hosts it Annual Dinner at The 40 Club Convention Center. The theme is “Aitkin’s Got Talent.” Local musicians, magicians and artists headline the show.

“We have a lot of talented people here who can contribute to the showboat,” said MacDonald.