Fox Theatre efforts go statewide

WALSENBURG — On February 19, George Birrer, President of the Spanish Peaks Alliance for Arts and Education (SPAAE), attended a meeting in Denver concerning the future of 35mm film theaters in Colorado.
The meeting was hosted by the Denver Film Society and included representatives from Berthoud Main Street; Boettcher Foundation; Brush Area Chamber; Denver Film Society; Department of Local Affairs; Gates Foundation; Office of Film, Television and Media, a division of Colorado Creative Industries; Sands Theater; SIE Film Center; USDA and UC Denver.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss possible funding sources that might be available to small movie theaters in Colorado to purchase digital projectors. It is expected 35mm films will no longer be available before the end of 2013 so movie houses will have to purchase digital equipment or close. Those in attendance agreed to continue to work on finding sources of funds for small theaters throughout the state.
Downtown Colorado, Inc. who recently worked with the Walsenburg Downtown Revitalization group, is gathering more information on the needs of these theaters in preparation for a follow up meeting.
One thing emphasized at this meeting was that priority will be given to communities who show support for their local theaters.
SPAAE has been fundraising for a projector for The Fox Theatre since October of 2012 and has received over $17,000 from about 200 donors who responded to the mailing sent to every household in the County. They are now planning additional fundraisers to encourage support from others in the community.
The Fox Theatre 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament for ages 9 years and up, is being held on March 16 and 17 at JMHS to benefit the projector fund. Registration forms are available at the Spanish Peaks Library or call Bobby at 719-248-2571 for more information.
Come out, have fun, and support The Fox, your hometown theater.