Community members in the small town of Coleman, Alta. are eagerly waiting for the grand re-opening of the historic Roxy Theatre now that renovations have started.
Especially for those who grew up in the town, fond memories of the building are endless.
“On Saturday afternoon there would be hundreds of screaming kids in here waiting for the movies to start,” said Pat Rypien, fundraising director for the Crowsnest Cultural and Recreation Society.
The two-storey entrance and lobby are connected to the remaining frame of a Quonset-style theatre made of corrugated steel panel. All original 275 seats have been taken out and the structure has been gutted but the art deco ticket booth in the lobby will remain.
Fred Bradley, with Revive the Roxy Theatre project, says they are preparing for the next stage of the project, which will include putting in the heating, ventilation and new seats.
“We’re doing some …