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Grand New Year - A Work In Progress
The decor boasted a truly historic setting within the old theater. The inside of the stripped-down historic theater was decorated with lights that when paired with the exposed brick and high ceilings made for a stunning environment. Guests were treated to hors d’oeuvre and a champagne toast at midnight. A DJ and silent movies were also some highlights of the evening. The event's purpose was simply to bring the community together to see the theater after many years and raise money for charity.
Multiple days of work were required before the event to haul out the debris left from the theater's last use for a haunted house. The recent rain posed issues as the roof is in need of renovation but the building was able to pass inspection by the city to be able to host the New Year Eve event.
A visit to the theater was a nostalgic experience for many who attended the event. Attendees mingled and shared their own stories of favorite memories experienced at the theater before it closed in 1977. The theater was brought to life once again on New Year's Eve, even if things looked different inside.
John and Jayne Simmons bought the theater earlier in 2018 with hopes of restoring the building. “We’re working on fixing it up. What we end up doing with the space is up to the community, it's for everyone.” said John Simmons.
A suggestions box was out at the party so the hundreds of attendees could offer their own ideas of what they hoped would become of the theater.
Simmons went on to say, “We’re going to sift through every single idea submitted. We want the ideas and we’re curious to see what the people come up with.”
While a final decision on the future of the Grand Theatre hasn’t been made, those who attended the party hope to see more events be held at the theater. They hope more opportunities arise so they can continue to watch construction progress within the building.