The DeKalb Outdoor Theater Board includes: in front, from left, Tom Smith, retiring member Shannon Steffen and Jed Freels; and in back, from left, Ken Fender, John Chalmers, Larry Dove and Kent Johnson. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

AUBURN — The DeKalb Outdoor Theater Board held its annual meeting Dec. 17 and reviewed made in 2008 toward an outdoor theater for DeKalb County.

Construction of the theater is nearing completion, with only minor items left to complete, the board reported. It is expected that construction of a restroom building will begin when weather permits, and it potentially could be completed in May.

The new theater is on the east side of Cedar Creek, south of Eleventh Street in Auburn.

Fundraising activities will continue, the board said. Additional funding is needed for features that have been delayed due to escalation of project costs. Contributions may be made through the DeKalb County Community Foundation, designated for the outdoor theater.

In 2009, the board expects to have a grand opening of the outdoor theater and its first season of events. The board is in the process of completing the application to use the theater, which is expected to be released in January.

The board thanked Shannon Steffen, who has served as secretary, for her contributions. Her term on the board has ended.

New board members were installed at the meeting. Auburn Mayor Norman Yoder appointed Ken Fender to a two-year term. Fender lives near the theater site and brings the point of view of a neighbor to the board. Also appointed to two-year terms on the board were Jed Freels, Donell Housel and Tom Smith.

The 2009 board and officers are John Chalmers (president), Kent Johnson (vice president), Freels (secretary), Smith (treasurer), Larry Dove, Housel and Fender.

More information about the Outdoor Theater can be found at the organization’s Web site: dekalboutdoortheater.org.