Although open for nearly a month now, the Norgan Theatre will host an open house and grand reopening this weekend
The event Sunday is from 1:30 to 5pm, with greetings from local politicians around 3pm.
Another treat will be the 7pm movie with an old time prices of a nickel for children and a quarter for adults.
The event marks the latest chapter of residents banding together to restore a community tradition.
With major renovations to the Norgan Theatre now completed, organizers and volunteers hope the reopening will continue a 60-year tradition of providing entertainment to the movie lovers in the area.
In 1947, George Norgan , a successful Vancouver businessman with roots in Palmerston, recognized a lack of leisure opportunities in his home town.
He addressed that with a personal donation of $50,000 for the construction of a movie theatre, the Norgan Theatre that bears his name. The theatre opened August 18 1947 with 5,000 people attending various events. For six decades, the Norgan served its community, bringing Al Jolson, Ginger Rogers, Elvis, Luke Skywalker and Star Wars and countless other attractions to area fans.
The Norgan is now one of the few remaining municipally owned theatres in Ontario. In addition to a restoration grant, Minto also funded a loan that must be repaid within 15 years. That $90,000 must be repaid through theatre revenue, and individual and corporate donations. Donations, which are tax deductible, may be made at any time; public recognition will be in accord with donor’s wishes.
Community volunteers have played a role in the restoration of the theatre.
They served on the Norgan committee, participated in fundraising events and supplied work crews for the reconstruction.
Volunteers will continue to be involved in the daily operation of the Norgan as ticket sellers, confection booth staff, matinee monitors, and future projectionists.
For more information please visit www.norgantheatre.com.
