Some of the improvements have been paid for by the city and some by private funds. Although the Jubilee has the right to occupy the building each Saturday night, the other six nights are free for other activities. In 1998, so far, Memorial Hall has been the site for a Kansas Bureau of Investigation meth lab training workshop, big band concert and dance, Fort Scott Community College graduation and general equivalency degree ceremonies, Echoes of the Trail boss concert and dance, U.S. Army Band concert and a Cub Scout auction. Mr. Johnson's five year history of Memorial Hall showed that this year 25,500 visitors have attended 76 events. That is up from 16,480 visitors at 46 events in 1995.
Statistics show steady growth each year.
He said attendance is down somewhat in the busy summer months but increases at other times. Mayor Lunt asked if it is known where the bulk of the attendees come from. Stating attendance impacts not on Memorial Hall, but the entire community, Mr. Johnson said when folks attend a show, they eat, shop, buy gas and perhaps spend the night. All that contributes to the economy in general and increases sales tax collections. Nothing comes without its set of problems, Mr. Johnson said.