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Built in 1907, this pavilion is considered the largest in Nebraska and has a seating capacity of 3,500. Voices heard echoing in the rafters have included William Jennings Bryan and Robert F. Kennedy. Today the pavilion is used for events such as Hastings Symphony concerts, summer church services and a variety of citywide celebrations.
The origin of Hastings' famed Chautauqua Pavilion is tied to the Chautauqua movement which swept small town America at the turn of the century, and began in Hastings with a week long religious revival in 1905. Its success inspired a group of local businessmen to form the Hastings Chautauqua Association in 1906. In July 1906, the first Hastings Chautauqua, with a 10-day long program, was held in a huge tent at Prospect Park. Eight thousand people attended and its success resulted in the decision to build a permanent pavilion.
The Chautauqua remained a part of Hastings' summer activities until the 1920s, when radio and movies gained popularity. Among the voices that echoed in the rafters of the pavilion were those of William Jennings Bryan, Ezra Meeker, Robert M. LaFollette, George W. Norris, and Robert F. Kennedy. (Adams County Historical Society)
Find more information at AdamsCounty.org