GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

This design in the granite floor of the outer lobby commemorates the 1.6 million dollar restoration project.

By Mayoral Proclamation July 5, 6, & 7, 2002

"TEMPLE THEATRE DAYS" in Viroqua, Wisconsin

CLICK ON PICTURES FOR LARGER VIEW

 

Friday, July 5   7:30 p.m.

Dedication and Recognition Ceremonies

The theatre house starts to fill for the opening ceremonies

Miss Viroqua and her court assist in seating guests.

With the ARTT Board of Directors and the Viroqua Men's Chorus assembled, Paula Menn opens the evening's program.

The original Temple Wurlizter console regains its place stage left. The organ is the only one of its kind still in existence!

ARTT President Paula Menn and Board Member Larry Fanta

Tom Jeffris of the Jeffris Family Foundation congratulates ARTT and the community for setting a state of Wisconsin record for per capita contributions to an historic fundraising campaign. He added that he doubts this record will ever be broken!

Mayor Larry Fanta, ARTT treasurer Fred Nelson, Tom Jeffris of the Jeffris Family Foundation, and Richard Endicott of the James P. Bigley Foundation cut the ribbon on both sides of the podium, officially opening the Temple Theatre stage for future performances.

 

Saturday, July 6, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Free Afternoon Concerts

1:00 p.m. "Hans Mayer's Music for Children"

Hans Mayer's "Music for Kids" was popular with both children and adults who enjoyed participating in the music.

2:00 p.m. Kristin and Richard Solverson's 1920's piano and vocal selections

Richard Solverson and daughter Kristin featured songs from the era in which the Temple Theatre was built.

3:00 p.m. "The Gilbertson Family"

The Gilbertsons entertained with Christian rock music.

Tours of the restored theatre were conducted by ARTT members before and after each half hour performance, giving visitors a chance to see the wonderful new facilities.

Visitors start to arrive Saturday afternoon to attend the free programs and tour the restored theatre facilities.

The restored upper lobby surprised visitors with the addition of a stairway to the totally new lower lobby.

The marbleized floor in the new lower lobby was the talk of the day!

The restored art deco light fixtures now decorate the lower lobby. Men were given a look at the new ladies' room during the tours.

 

Saturday Night, July 6   7:30 p.m.

Celebration Concert  

Featuring "Special Export," "The La Crosse Chordsmen," and "Viroqua's Men Chorus,"

The Viroqua Men's Chorus kicked off the first concert in the restored theatre.

La Crosse-based Coulee Chordsmen added their voices to the sold-out event.

The barbershop harmonies of "Special Export" were enjoyed by the audience.

 

Sunday, July 7   1:00 p. m.

Ecumenical Community Worship Service

Retired Pastor Bjorge conducted the service. In 1945 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church held services in the theatre after the church burned on Christmas Eve.

The West Prairie Singers added their voices to the worship service.

Dr Robert Starr and Beatrice Small gave the readings during the worship service.

 

What a Weekend for ARTT and the Temple Theatre!

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