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CANTON — This Friday, June 19, marks the first drive-in theater the Rialto Theater is hosting at the Manley-Bohlayer Farm in East Canton.
The drive-in theater is one of a couple brainstormed ideas for a fundraiser to help the Rialto during these difficult times. The theater is still not open for business due to COVD-19 restrictions from Gov. Wolf.
“This is happening around our country due to our theaters being because of COVID,” said Mary Beth Schoonover, a representative from the theater.
“Bradford County Regional Arts Center (BRAC) purchased screens and FM transmitters to be used in their three theatre areas, Sayre, Towanda, Canton,” she said.
BCRAC and the Rialto Theatre have partnered with Rekindle the Spirit and the Manley-Bohlayer farm to hold these events every weekend for residents in Bradford County.
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The theater is also continuing their popcorn sales every Friday.
“From 5-8 p.m. is the Rialto popcorn sale Friday nights. So, you can pick up your snacks on the way to the movies,” said Schoonover.
Participants drive their vehicle up to the curb, pay exact cash, and receive their popcorn while sitting in the comfort of their own vehicle. The bag of popcorn is extra large and costs $10. Theater candy is also sold two for $5.
“We are going to do our best to find alternative ways to help our community and keep these organizations active at a time of social distancing that we have never experienced before,” said Chamberlain.
Social distancing guidelines will be in place at each event.
“We will follow social distancing guidelines to the best of our ability, as long as people follow the guidelines laid out for them. If not, they will be asked to leave without a refund,” said Chamberlain.
“Special thanks to Principle Enterprises, LLC, for allowing us to borrow a flat bed truck to raise the screen higher for vehicles to see it better during the events,” said Chamberlain.
“The Rialto is a great community asset. The most important part of the theater is the volunteers and staff! The people are the best,” said Sentinel reader George Morris.
“I still remember the day it reopened in town and going with my friend to watch the first movie they had there. My husband and I went on our first movie date there and saw Apollo 13,” said Amy Hess, a Sentinel reader.“My kids have enjoyed many movies there instead of traveling out of town. My kids will always remember watching the premiere of The Force Awakens there. It is so great to have the theater in our town.”
Other Rialto
Fundraisers
Another fundraiser idea comes from renting screens for private viewing at home.
“You can also rent this blow up movie screen for your own parties. The set up comes with two staff members to set up and tear down, the screen, and equipment play the movie. You just have to pick one of your favorite DVDs and gather your favorite fun people and have a viewing party,” said Schoonover.
The cost for that is $250 and includes everything Schoonover described.
Mary Beth also spoke about a campaign that Vessi Footwear is doing, in which it allows people to submit a “cause” they would like to financially help with $100. It’s free to enter and she encouraged the Canton community to submit an application stating they are helping the Rialto Theater.
Proceeds from these events and the campaign will help the Rialto first buy a new projector, which is needed, and then help paint the front of the building for a face lift.
For more information or to make a donation to the Rialto Theater to ensure Canton still has it’s “gem,” please follow them on Facebook for updates at www.facebook.com/RialtoCanton or www.bcrac.org.