Shepard Park bandstand demolished after early morning fire

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Shepard Park, nicknamed “America's Most Beautiful Lake Amphitheater,” woke the village of Lake George at 3 a.m. with flames and smoke. State and county investigators determined the cause was an electrical problem.

“Accidental in nature. There was no wrongdoing or vandalism that caused this. Fire inspectors have just completed their investigation,” said Ray Perry, the village's mayor.

Local residents told NEWS10’s Anthony Krolikoski they were concerned the Village wouldn’t be able to continue offering free events this summer that were already booked. “It’s a gathering place for residents, tourists, people to come and hear world-class music. To think for one second that it wasn’t going to happen this summer was devastating,” Harris said.

In addition to the structure, historic instruments and modern musical equipment were lost in the fire. Mayor Perry says some pieces are salvageable, as is the bandstand sign. “No one was hurt, so we’re happy about that. I got a little dirt on my hands but we’re happy that no one was hurt and everything else is just equipment and can be replaced.”

The Village is planning a larger and better bandstand to replace the more than one hundred year old hall. In the meantime, a mobile venue will be set up in Shepard Park to continue the summer music.