FAIRMONT- The Fairmont Opera House has completed much of its schedule for its upcoming season, including its summer community theater show. This summer’s ad
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The Minnesota Presenters Network is a statewide organization formed in 1992. It is a non-profit, volunteer/membership organization with a mission to connect and cultivate relationships among performing arts professionals.
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Blake Potthoff, executive director of the Fairmont Opera House, sits in front of one of many memories the Opera House has created. Potthoff wants to continue making and giving people memories through the Opera House.
FAIRMONT The Fairmont Opera House has been around for 120 years and has dealt with difficulties during this pandemic. Executive Director Blake Potthoff described himself as a competitive person who strives to be better and during this pandemic, he has found the light at the end of the tunnel and kept a positive attitude.
The idea of the Fairmont Opera House began in 1989 when Frank A. Day, founder of the Fairmont Sentinel began nudging businessmen to build an opera house. The concept lead to local businessmen forming the Fairmont Opera House Company in March of 1901 and begin construction of this building in 1901 for approximately $20,000. On opening night in 1902, the Opera House opened to the public and 400 tickets were sold for $5.
Above: Blake Potthoff. Photo courtesy of Shawna Hill, owner of âIn the Beginning Photographyâ
FAIRMONT Blake Potthoff is well-known in the area. Executive Director of the Fairmont Opera House, Potthoff is one of four people set to be honored at an upcoming “4 Under 40” recognition event. The event is meant to honor those young people in a community who are up and coming leaders in the community.
Potthoff was available to share his background and how he got to where he is now.
“I grew up outside Dunnell and graduated from Martin County West High School in Sherburn in 2010,” Potthoff said. “Then I went to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and graduated from there in 2014.