Go Digital or Lose a Community Theater

Thousands of Dollars in Upgrades

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For many small communities it’s the pulse of the town on weekends: the movie theater. 

However, advances in technology have forced some theaters to close their doors.

Film projectors are now a thing of the past and movies are being offered on digital devices, but it’s a pricey upgrade for theater owners to make.

In order to stay in operation Palace Theater, in Spooner, had to raise $60,000 to make the conversion.

One year after going digital they said it was well worth it.

“It’s got a lot of charm and has been here a long time. We’re really the only business that is open in the evenings to go to except for the bowling alley, it’s the bowling alley and us. Who doesn’t love going to the movie and getting some butter popcorn,” said JoEllen Weathers with Palace Theater.

The theater has kept its prices affordable for families and even sells individual pieces of candy for 15-cents.