Home LOCAL PARIS The Grand Theatre Project officially launches in downtown Paris

The Grand Theatre Project officially launches in downtown Paris

by MyParisTexas
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Locals gathered together on Thursday evening to celebrate the official launch of The Grand Theatre Project in downtown Paris.

The event saw many interested parties, community members, media, and local government officials come together at 1st Street Studios to find out more about the future of The Grand Theatre.

“We’re very excited and seeing the energy in the room this evening just validated this town wants this theatre back and we’re excited to be a part of it,” said the president of the Grand Theatre Project Julia Trigg Crawford. 

Constructed in 1937, The Grand Theatre was the largest theatre in Lamar County for over fifty years, and its fly-loft was the tallest west of the Mississippi. In 1980 a second screen was added to compete with the expanding cinema industry and it was renamed The Grand Twin. In 1997, The Grand became a discount theatre and was named the Grand Dollar Theatre before closing shortly thereafter.

While there has been much interest in restoring the once thriving theatre back to its original state, the team with The Grand Theatre Project plan on making it happen.

“I think what’s important is that people know this is the real deal,” said vice-president Chad Lindsey. “We’re really going to get this done. The Grand will reopen.” 

Over $5,500 was raised at the event through donations and several auction items.

“We commissioned local artist Candra Wyatt to create a painting of The Grand which was auctioned off for $2,600,” said board member Wyatt Bowden.

Those in attendance were also the first to see a collection of photos dating all the way back to 1937 that the group has gathered over the past year.

“When people heard what we were doing they started bringing us photos that they’ve had for years,” said Bowden. “It’s been very cool to see all the pictures and hear stories from what everyone remembers.” 

A website has been created, www.restorethegrand.com and those wishing to make a pledge toward to revitalization of The Grand can do so through the website.

“It’s going to take a lot of work but it starts tonight with raising money to cover insurance on the building and from there we need to tackle the asbestos,” added Crawford.  

For more information, click here and make sure you check out the Facebook page

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