Fundraising continues for Fox Theatre projector

WALSENBURG — During the past year, the film industry has announced the pending conversion from 35 mm film to digital film distribution.
In order to continue showing new movies at the Fox Theatre in Walsenburg, it will be necessary to purchase a digital project at an estimated cost of $70,000. 3-D capability would be an additional cost for equipment and a new screen. For now, however, the theatre is equipped with a workable sound system.
The Spanish Peaks Alliance for Arts and Education (SPAAE), a local non-profit organization concerned with promoting cultural opportunities in Huerfano County, has taken on the task of raising funds for the purchase of the digital projector for the Fox Theatre. Last October, over 4,000 fundraising letters were sent to every postal address in the county; $16,000 has been received so far from almost 200 people and organizations.
With the expectation that digital conversion will happen before the end of 2013, SPAAE continues to look for ways to raise the money needed for this project.
Plans are underway for a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in March at JMHS, watch for details to be announced. However, the SPAAE board is concerned about the future of the theatre if the number of persons attending movies continues to decline. It has been great to see the interest and enthusiasm for preserving the theatre in Huerfano County. It is hoped in the near future to have the restored historic theatre organ playing once again.
A digital project should provide the opportunity for other types of programming as well. But the revenue from the weekend movies is what has sustained the theatre for the last 15-years.
If you want the Fox Theatre to remain open, please consider coming to a movie. Prices are low, the popcorn is great and the screen is 15’ X 30’.