After the Holiday Stroll parade concluded a new parade of people could be seen entering the Orpheum Theater. Hundreds attended an open house for the Main Street theater Saturday held in conjunction with the stroll.
The $3 million theater renovation is nearly completed and is expected to have its first movie showing early next year. The project was approved as part of the Iowa Valley Community College District bond vote in 2006.
"It's very satisfying to be able to show the public the work that has been done with their support," said Nancy Adams, an Orpheum steering committee member and one of the hosts of the tour. "It's been a project that's been a long time coming."
Committee members served popcorn and answered questions at all the different areas of the theater.
Adams said the theater brings back memories for many in the community who were around decades ago during its heyday.
"We've heard many stories," she said.
One person reminiscing at the theater Saturday was Diana Nichols. She was a concessions worker at the original Orpheum in the late 1950s. She said one of her favorite memories was being able to eat free popcorn. Nichols was also impressed at the renovations and looks forward to seeing a show next year.
"I think it's fabulous," she said.
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Contact Andrew Potter at 641-753-6611 or apotter@timesrepublican.com
