Save Our Vernon Towne Theatre!
Be Part of the Towne's Future!!!
History
The future of Vernon’s historic Towne Cinema on 30th Avenue is in doubt without much needed funding and a band of volunteers to save it.
The popular movie theatre has been in operation since 1929, originally as a dance hall, before its conversion to a movie venue in 1938 when the likes of Clark Gable, Bette Davis and Fred Astaire filled the big screen.
Where We Are Now
The Towne is a key part of Vernon’s thriving downtown core which has been feeling the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are now facing the prospect of losing this historic venue as the current proprietor is planning to close the curtain on his long career. He has offered to hand the keys over to the volunteers of the non-profit Okanagan Screen Arts Society, who are ready to roll up their sleeves to keep open this valued and important piece of Vernon history.
The OSA society has been hosting weekly “Monday Night at the Arts” at the Towne for several years.
In 2019, pre-COVID, 11,000 people attended our events which included live music, movies and film introductions.
Many Vernon residents have fond memories of this theatre going back more than 90 years and we want to ensure future generations make some too.
How You Can Help!
We are hoping to raise at least $75,000 through individual donations and corporate sponsorships to:
— help with some large renovations/upgrades for the safety and comfort of movie patrons
— start up and transition costs
— a new projector
Single screen, historic movie palaces like the Towne have largely closed down across Canada, including in nearby Kelowna and Penticton. The ones that have remained open and are thriving are those that have moved to a community owned, non-profit model like we are undertaking.
We want to keep this amazing piece of history and great arts venue alive in downtown Vernon.
Those who donate will be eligible for ‘perks’ listed on our sponsorship page, so don't wait!
For detailed information, go to the Okanagan Screen Arts Society website.Thank you!
The Okanagan Screen Arts Society