Coplay Saengerbund members are in a rush to begin construction on the outdoor pavilion that was recently damaged due to a snow storm, resulting in the roof caving in.

Members hope to have the construction complete within the next few months, in time for a charity event scheduled.

Saengerbund President Kevin Fritz discussed with The Press Saturday the plans to repair the saengerbund pavilion's roof and interior, damaged when it collapsed under the heavy weight of snow and ice following repeated winter storms.

"We're looking for the pavilion to be ready in eight weeks," he said, conceding the timeframe is very tight.

The club is presently in the process of seeking bids from contractors for the job.

"We want to have it done by April," Fritz said.

Half of the large roof collapsed from the weight of the snow, Fritz said. The pavilion has seating for its patrons, a bar and bandstand.

Fritz showed up at the police department Feb. 21, notifying the borough the roof had collapsed.

"There was a person inside the club when he heard the loud noise and the roof fell down, " Fritz said. It is the first such said. It is the first such major incident reportedly in the club's near century of history.

"The event schedule for April at the pavilion is a charity project for children with autism.

The saengerbund plans to resume its dances with live music at the pavilion May 2. Those dances continue through the spring and summer months and into the fall. The club attracts many polka lovers to these Sunday dances at the pavilion.

Before there was a pavilion, the saengerbund celebrated its anniversaries at the grove yearly in June, by a grove of tall trees.

Fritz estimates the damage to the pavilion at $130,000. The roof needs to be reconstructed and there was damage to the walls and to the tables, chairs and other contents of the room as well.