Rivertime Players preserve Toby Tent Show, bolster Parsons cultural life

The Rivertime Players serve as caretakers of one of Decatur County's most visible expressions of local heritage, the Toby Tent Show. Based in Parsons and operating under the Parsons Arts Council, the volunteer driven 501(c)(3) group preserves and presents a repertory tent theatre tradition that has been staged in the community for decades. The organization maintains the large historic tent and a collection of associated artifacts including vintage trucks, original scripts, costumes and painted drops.

The group produces family friendly theatrical performances, with the Toby Show traditionally presented in September and October. That seasonality creates a predictable cultural draw that benefits nearby businesses and motivates local volunteer engagement. Beyond performances, the Rivertime Players offer community theatre opportunities, volunteer roles and wider cultural programming that attract visitors from across the region. Those visitors contribute to local demand for dining, lodging and retail services during the early fall period.

From an economic standpoint the organization operates with a nonprofit structure that enables tax deductible donations and access to preservation grants. As a volunteer based ensemble, the Rivertime Players reduce labor costs while building community human capital through skills in stagecraft, costume work and event management. Preserving physical artifacts such as painted drops and vintage trucks also conserves material culture that might otherwise be lost, and adds to the experiential appeal for cultural tourists who increasingly seek authentic heritage experiences.

There are policy implications for local leaders who aim to sustain this asset. Small cultural institutions often face funding pressures, maintenance needs and succession challenges as volunteer bases age. Targeted municipal support for maintenance of the tent site, coordinated marketing through county tourism channels and assistance in securing preservation funding can enhance the group’s resilience. Integrating the Toby Tent Show into regional cultural tourism initiatives can amplify visitor flows during the September and October season and spread economic benefits across Parsons.

Looking ahead the Rivertime Players exemplify how community driven arts organizations can anchor local identity while contributing to the local economy. By continuing to preserve the tent and its artifacts, expand volunteer pathways and partner with public agencies on promotion and preservation, the group can maintain the Toby Tent Show as a living tradition that supports Decatur County’s cultural and economic vitality for years to come.