‘Galesburg Dances’ helps GPAC nearly pay off Sandburg statue park

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The Poet in the Park project still has some funds to raise, but after the Galesburg Public Art Commission’s Galesburg Dances with Our Stars fundraiser Saturday, the Carl Sandburg statue site in the town square is close to being funded.

GPAC Vice President Heather Norman tells WGIL that more than $12,000 was raised this weekend — that total is before accounting for event expenses.

She says the cost of the entire site is around $250,000, the statues of Sandburg and his pet goat Nellie costing $148,000 and approximately another $100,000 for landscaping that envelops the art work.

“I think we’ll be very close when we figure out all the final numbers,” Norman says. “We’re waiting for a couple more bills and then there’s a more permanent landscaping plan.”

She says soon GPAC members will soon begin pricing plants and planting on the site.

Norman says they hope the greenery they choose will give the park a Midwestern feel, with plants that look like they belong on a prairie. Actual prairie plants were nixed because of their deep roots.

“It’s a substantial investment in the community and one that will beautify our city for years to come,” Norman says.

Norman says GPAC is yet to decide if this was the last year for Galesburg Dances with Our Stars.

She says they thought after three years the event had run it’s course but popular demand could resurrect the dancing competition fundraiser.

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