What do popcorn and a community have in common?
Change collected and contributed by theater friend, Dr. Way.
The Indian Lake Theater, this Saturday, May 25 from noon to 4 pm.
Five years ago people in the Indian Lake region came together to save and rejuvenate their movie theater. We’ve all lamented the loss of theaters in other communities around the region.
Indian Lake is a success story. The theater has been transformed from a summer venue into a year-round community hub.
Now, the Indian Lake Theater community organization is raising money to take the next steps necessary to keep the theater viable for years to come: it’s raising money to do renovations and repairs and, perhaps most importantly, it’s planning to acquire digital projection equipment.
Projectionist Vinnie Smith works with the old system. Photo courtesy of the Indian Lake Theater.
Without this equipment? Well, as of September, Hollywood movie companies are eliminating the distribution of 35-millimeter film. That’s it. So the new equipment involves an $80,000 retrofit.
One of the ways the theater is raising money is through “Change is Good!” People are being asked to donate their spare change to the theater. Coin drops are located at businesses in and around Indian Lake leading up to this Saturday’s community celebration from noon to 4 pm at the theater. Volunteers will be counting the change and welcoming people to bring additional spare change. Free popcorn, music by Alex Smith, hot dogs/hamburgers, and a prize for the heaviest donation made during the day.
I’ve watched the Indian Lake Theater “rejuvenation” project, as I think of it, since before it started. Some of the people who decided the theater was worth saving as an important community resource for those who live in the central Adirondacks are very dear friends.
Like all of the best projects, this one seemed like a bit of a long-shot to me: not just in terms of keeping the building in shape and finding the money to hire staff, but in terms of presenting enough programs and engaging substantial audiences.
Okay, I was wrong. Dead wrong. Like I said, the Indian Lake Theater is a success story. Now, they’re taking the next essential step. Help out if you can by visiting the theater Saturday afternoon…and don’t forget to check behind the couch cushions for quarters or just empty the change jars next to the washing machine.
Now, pass the popcorn.
Tags: community, fundraiser, Indian Lake, movie theaters
