Zombies, dwarves and cowboys help send Peerless into its third decade

This year has already been huge for the Peerless Theatre. Ringing in the new year, it celebrated 20 years since its reopening, and this summer marked a century since its original opening. With 2019 coming to an end, the theater added its most successful CineMagic fundraiser yet.

Held Oct. 26 at the Peerless, this year’s CineMagic netted over $30,000, which includes a $10,000 matching contribution from the Heginbotham Trust. The previous record was $24,000, and organizers were thrilled to see such great community support for the Golden Plains Recreation Center and the Peerless Theatre.

Since it has been over two decades since the theater reopened, CineMagic funds will play a vital role in keeping the Peerless up to date. At the event, CineMagic committee member Bob Brandt explained to guests that their support will provide a new HVAC system for the facility.

Earlier in the year, the cinema processor server had to be replaced. The Peerless borrowed money to do so, and CineMagic funds will also  allow the board to pay off that note.

A third goal was set to replace the popcorn machine if enough funds were raised, and sure enough, that’s going to happen. The current machine was purchased 20 years ago when the theater reopened, and as Brandt pointed out, he can only imagine how many tons of popcorn have been enjoyed by moviegoers over the years.

All of these things will help the Peerless continue to offer the cinematic experiences the community has come to love, and movies may be central to the Peerless, but the GPRC has always been about more than just the big screen. Beyond that, the

facility will continue to provide office space for local renters, meeting rooms utilized by numerous organizations, and a safe place for youth to play basketball and other games.

Saturday’s fundraiser made use of the entire ground floor of the Peerless. It began with a happy hour in the lobby, followed by dinner in the gym. In total, 12 table sponsorships were purchased for the dinner, which was catered by Happy Jacks and served by FCCLA members, GPRC board members and GPRC employees.

Each table picked its own movie theme, and awards were given for the best costumes. The Hometown Liquor table, with guests dressed as Snow White and the seven dwarves, earned first-place recognition. Willy Wonka and his crew at the Enterprise table took second. The “Grease” table, made up of individual ticket purchases, placed third.

Other costumes seen throughout the evening were inspired by such movies as “Singin’ in the Rain,” “The Greatest Showman,” “Cool Hand Luke” and “Animal House.”

After dinner and dessert had been enjoyed, an auction was held in the gym. Many local — and nonlocal — businesses and individuals made generous contributions of items to be auctioned. When it came to bidding, CineMagic guests showed their generosity as well.

CineMagic wouldn’t be complete without some form of entertainment, and this year a melodrama capped off the fundraiser. Set on the stage in the theater, Phillips County Players performed “The Bilking of Lord Bilgeworthy Or ... Froggy Went a-Courtin’.”

It was a hilarious conclusion to an evening spent supporting the Peerless.