A tribute to the arts at Backus, By FAYE WHITBECK, Staff Writer

At least $5,500 was raised for Backus Auditorium improvements at Friday night’s “Summer on the Border.”
Once again, the community gathered to support the continuous upgrading of the historic landmark.
The variety show was presented by local actors and musicians. It was directed, for one last time, by Beckie Aitken.
Ward Merrill, executive director of Backus Community Center, spoke before intermission during the 2-1/2 hour show. He reported that the back and side stage curtain replacements would cost approximately $3,000. Friday’s performance would contribute toward that purchase, as well as toward sound and light improvements.
The evening was a combination of vocal solos, dancing, instrumentals and acting. Nancy McBride, who opened the show with her rendition of “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess,” also served as emcee, entering the stage between acts in different summer gear, accentuating the variety of things to do in Borderland. The audience quickly warmed to the performers.
Tom and Beckie Aitken presented an especially tender swan song for the audience when they swept the Backus stage dancing “The Tennessee Waltz.”
The show ended while the audience gave hearty applause and joined in a sing-along of “In the Good Old Summertime” as the players lined up downstage, house left all the way to house right. Beckie Aitken was given red roses and plaque in honor of her managerial, directorial and artistic tenure at Backus.
The next Soup Supper will be Aug. 7 at the Backus Community Center and the Backus Arts & Crafts Festival will take place during the International Falls Bass Championship.