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LACONIA — Live performance venues in the Lakes Region such as the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion and the New Hampshire Motor Speedway stand to benefit from a $12 million fund announced by Gov. Chris Sununu on Monday.
“Live performance venues are the lifeblood of many communities and serve as an economic engine that drives tourism to help sustain main street businesses, restaurants, and hotels,” Sununu said.
“To lose these venues would be an economic blow that would have a widespread and profoundly negative ripple effect felt across these communities for many years to come.”
Large gatherings have been problematic under state social distancing requirements intended to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The pavilion postponed shows until next year.
The speedway has held events at reduced capacity.
The Winnipesaukee Playhouse is having a limited, socially distanced fall season.
Money for the relief program comes from the federal CARES Act and is intended for venues facing economic hardship due to the pandemic, provided that they are primarily engaged in hosting live theatrical presentations, musical entertainment, or sporting or racing events that are seated, ticketed, and open to the public.
Recipients can receive up to $1.5 million.
The governor’s announcement came in the afternoon, and representatives of the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, the New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the Winnipesaukee Playhouse did not immediately return calls for comment.
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