VPA ditches soda for healthy alternative

Patrons at Fred and Sara Machetanz Theatre will notice a big change at the concession stand this theater season -- the absence of soda pop, and lots of water.

Valley Performing Arts has teamed with Valley Hospital to offer theater-goers a healthier alternative.

Valley Hospital provided VPA with more than 4,000 bottles of special-labeled water, which VPA will sell for $1 each. The labels depict VHA and VPA activities. In return, VPA has agreed to quit selling soda for the rest of the season.

The water is bottled locally and comes from the Eklutna Glacier, VPA managing producer John Fairfield said.

"It is the hope of both Valley Hospital and Valley Performing Arts that this action will suggest to people that they can change their diets and learn to consume healthier beverages," Fairfield said.