Help Us Come Back to Looney’s!

Winston County Arts Council is in the process of acquiring the Looney’s Amphitheater complex, which consists of approximately 13 acres and several buildings, including the Dual Destiny Theater, which seats about 320, and the outdoor amphitheater that was the home of Alabama’s Official Outdoor Musical, The Incident at Looney’s Tavern, which seats 1,500. Unfortunately, since the complex has lain unused for nearly 20 years, there is much refurbishing to be done on the buildings and grounds. But we see the place as a diamond in the rough: We want to bring it back to its former glory and then some. We will start with the small theater, cleaning, painting, repairing the roof and bathrooms, and adding dressing rooms to the back. Then we can have plays and other performances there. At the same time, we will replace the large set of wooden steps going down to the offices and amphitheater, as they are totally

rotten. Then we will start on the amphitheater so that we can once again have concerts there. Everything is planned and will be done step-by-step. Bringing Looney’s back will be beneficial to our area economically, culturally, and educationally,

as well as good, safe fun! We plan to have a gift shop again, where arts and crafts by local artists will be sold, and an interactive museum of the history of Winston County. We will also bring back the putt-putt golf course.

This is a big undertaking, and we need all the help we can get. The purchase price is $280,000, and then we begin the repairs and renovations. To repair and refurbish the first three areas (Dual Destiny Indoor Theater, steps, and outdoor amphitheater) is estimated to cost around $500,000. We have already raised almost 100,000 in contributions and loans. We are accepting contributions, which are tax-deductible because we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

Please help us bring the Looney’s complex back to life and share the beauty of our area and the unique history of the Free State of Winston!