WEST PARIS – After raising $4,000 Saturday at a supper and dance, Athletic Association President Jeff Shock feels hopeful that a new grandstand at Perham Field can be constructed next summer.

The original structure, which was built in 1944 by the Work Projects Administration, was destroyed by fire in July. After considering rebuilding at that time, it was feared new construction was probably not likely until 2010 due to the lack of funds and the need for a massive fundraising drive.

However, with $55,000 in insurance revenue for the new grandstand and what is proving to be a successful fundraising drive, things look better to Shock.

According to Shock, Saturday’s event drew about 250 people. It was held in Locke Mills and included a supper, dance and auction.

“Everything went very, very well and we are pleased with the support we are getting,” Shock said. “Our next fundraiser will be a supper with Ricky Craven the last Thursday in January, and we hope that will give us what we need to start construction next spring and we probably will see more private donations come in as well.”

The plan for a new grandstand is complete and the structure will be the same style as the original grandstand as well as the same size at 30 feet by 50 feet. It will also have a concrete slab and frost wall rather than being set on posts as the original was. Not using posts meets state fire code. Shock said he hopes that enough money will be available to include the installation of a public address system.

He estimated the total cost of the project at $78,000.