Historic Fort Dodge Ballroom Prepares to Reopen

A Fort Dodge landmark building that once played host to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper one January night in 1959 will soon be opening its doors to the public again.

The Laramar Ballroom had sat empty collecting dust instead of stories for years but last June it was purchased by a collaboration of Fort Dodge investors and the rest is a part of its extensive history.

Production Coordinator for the Laramar, Brady O’Brien, says people will be very surprised by the progress.

The venue held great significance in Fort Dodge since it was built in 1905 and was the Fort Dodge Armory. After World War I the building shifted gears into a live music venue.

According to the Fort Dodge Community Foundation Facebook Page, the list of performers included Lawrence Welk, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash who reportedly played there in April of  1963

The first chance for most people to see the renovations will be on June 22nd during the Laramar grand opening. O’Brien says the night will be filled with music, food and special people who have been a part of the legendary ballroom’s history.

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am at:

www.thelaramar.com/tickets