Miner Foundation makes $100,000 donation to Kankakee arts

The late Harold and Jean Miner of Watseka continue to give. This time it's the city of Kankakee benefitting.

The Miner Foundation has made a $100,000 donation to improve the arts in Kankakee. A permanent stage will be built near the historic railroad depot, adding to the setting for the annual musical festival.

Kankakee Mayor Nina Epstein says it's a wonderful gift to the city.

"This contribution from the Miner Charitable Foundation will allow us to make a big improvement; to building a stage for performers. We will rename the park Festival Park," Epstein said.

The stage "On the Hill" was one of the performing areas for the Merchant Street MusicFest. The new stage, there, will be named for the late Harold & Jean Miner.

The stage will be built this fall, probably in September. A formal dedication may be held in the spring of 2016.

94.1 WGFA