The Salina City Lights Pavilion is officially open. The downtown Farm and Art Market was the first event there Saturday morning.

After a period of waiting earlier this summer for the pre-engineered pieces to arrive in Salina, crews from Hutton Construction this month finished the project, which includes a metal roof providing not only covered parking, but shade and amenities including overhead fans and lighting for the farmer’s market, performers, concert goers, and any other event.

Salina Downtown Executive Director Leslie Bishop told KSAL News the goal was to relocate the downtown Farm and Art Market, which is held on Saturday mornings, to the pavilion by the end of August. That goal was accomplished Saturday morning.

The $1.4 million City Lights Pavilion, located at Ash Street and Santa Fe, is not paid for through the City of Salina’s general fund.  It is funded through a partnership involving Tax Increment Financing , repurposed Salina Fieldhouse parking funds, and downtown TIF funds. It comes from a pool of money specifically designated for parking lot improvements.

When not hosting events, the City Lights Pavilion is a parking lot open for use by all.