In Friday’s edition of the LaGrange Daily News, we wrote about Becca Eiland resigning from her position as Sweetland Amphitheatre’s director. Eiland officially resigned from the position in December.

In about two years in that role, she helped Sweetland grow in popularity and become a spot that attracts star performers of different music genres.  The amphitheatre is also a spot in our city for families to come together, watch a show or a movie or attend an event.

Eiland played a role in bringing in artists to perform for the Summer Concert Series, including Willie Nelson, the Beach Boys, Vince Gill, Taj Mahal and Need to Breathe. Gill’s concert sold out and even brought people from California and Texas to attend.

She also helped start Sunsets at Sweetland where families could watch outdoor films for free during the summer. It was a great way for families to enjoy the evening out together and spend time. She was fundamental in bringing Ice Days to the theatre to create Sweetland on Ice, the outdoor rink.

Since its opening, the amphitheater has hosted the annual Chili Cook Off and this year it also  hosted the Craft Beer and Music Festival, which featured 35 local, regional and national breweries.

Sweetland has only been open since spring of 2016, but it is already very popular with locals and even those from out of Troup County.  Attend any event at Sweetland and you’ll meet people who drove over just to see a certain artist or to skate on the ice rink. Sweetland is expected to name a new director soon, and it’s important that whoever they hire helps keep the momentum built in the first two years. Venue manager Keyla Loveland has been chosen as interim director.

Everyone was already anxiously awaiting the release of Sweetland’s 2018 schedule. Now, another big announcement is coming first.