Theater Leaders Seek Renovation Help

Board members of a Bemidji theater group want to renovate a building that’s taken some damage.

The Chief Theater, located in downtown Bemidji, originally opened in the 1930s. It went out of business after a new movie theater was built on Highway 2 in the 1980s.

The property was reopened for live theater and film entertainment when it reopened in the 1990s. In the following years it sustained fire damage and saw its outside walls fade. Leadership of the renovation moment has expressed a desire to remodel an outside that community members have called “run down”.

Sound and light equipment also needs to be replaced. In total, the project will cost nearly $300,000. People who have interest in donating, as well as attending a free Friday fundraiser, are asked to reserve tickets at http://www.thechieftheater.com/tickets.html.

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