CENTERVILLE — Though the stage lights won’t appear for at least another year, the sun did its part to spotlight the groundbreaking of the Davis Cultural Arts Center, Thursday.

Dozens gathered on the site of the future 57,000 square foot theater complex late last week, paying tribute to the efforts it took to get to that point. They also discussed the rewards that the following 18 months of work and construction will bring to the area.

“This is a bright new day for the arts in Davis County,” said Centerville Mayor Ronald Russell, who served as master of ceremonies for the groundbreaking. Several Davis County government officials were at the meeting, including state senator Dan Liljenquist.

“Both Bountiful and Centerville have had community theater dating back to early pioneer times,” Russell continued. “The new cultural arts center will continue that tradition of bringing quality family entertainment and cultural enrichment to the county.”

He also highlighted the importance of the way that both cities came together on the project, with the county coming in later as a supporting partner.

“We learned from the rec center that we can make things happen when we ignore political lines and come together,” he said.

Both Russell and Bountiful Mayor Joe Johnson, who also spoke, thanked the efforts of all of the volunteers who had supported community theater in the county.

Johnson specially recognized the old Bountiful Performing Arts Center, who officially disbanded in February 2007 after an extended period without a theater. Their last production, “Saturday’s Warrior,” was performed in the Bountiful City Park in September 2007.

“It was a difficult change for them, and I appreciate their support,” said Johnson. Some members of BPAC are involved in the new arts association that will be in residence at the theater complex. “There’s a deep appreciation from Bountiful for their time and sacrifice.”

Though Davis County Commissioner John Petroff was scheduled to speak, he ended up not attending the groundbreaking because of a scheduling conflict.

However, both Kent Sulser from the county and Glen McKay from Rodgers Memorial also spoke, with the latter tearing up a little as he acknowledged former Rodgers Memorial President Bill Davies’ contributions to the cultural arts center.

“He’s the one who should be standing up here giving this speech,” McKay said.

He also acknowledged the funding that’s still going on for the theater.

“We’re within striking distance of our goal,” he said. “We’re looking for other visionary contributors.”

After the official ceremony, Johnson and Russell climbed onto an on-site excavator. With Johnson driving and both of them as delighted as young boys, the two of them survived several false starts and equipment jerks before digging another hole on the site.

“We could get this done in a year if they let me go on it again,” laughed Johnson after he had turned the excavator over to a professional.

Next to him, Mike Hogan (whose company will serve as the construction manager for the project) patted him on the shoulder. “Maybe we should get you a little training first.”

jwardell@davisclipper.com