Wayne Theatre to mark two milestones: 10 years and 100 years

The Wayne Theatre, for too long, was used as a political football by our local pre-MAGAs, who seemed to prefer the idea of the historic theater building in the heart of Downtown Waynesboro crumbling into ruins than doing something with it.

The group that backed our do-nothings for the better part of 15 years asked me to speak to one of their grand poobah fests a few years back.

I regret to this day sticking to the topic the event coordinator asked me to talk on, and not telling them all to go, you know, themselves.

As their numbers have thinned, their influence has waned.

This is good for Waynesboro.

I digress.

I started out here wanting to tell you about a milestone in the history of the Wayne Theatre, which closed as a movie theater in 1999, and, in spite of our do-nothings, reopened in 2016 as a community performing-arts space.

On Saturday, April 18, the Wayne will host A Centennial Celebration: 100 Years Remembered, 10 Years Renewed, marking both the 2016 reopening, and the 100-year anniversary of the theatre’s doors first opening, back on Jan. 18, 1926.

The celebration, which will be held at Hazy Mountain Vineyard just over the Blue Ridge in Afton, will include dinner, live entertainment and dancing, and both a live auction and a silent auction, plus opportunities to celebrate the Wayne’s past and help secure its future.

“We are delighted to mark this special moment with our supporters, neighbors, and friends,” said Tracy Straight, executive director of the Wayne Theatre. “This gala is a joyful night of gratitude for a century of storytelling and a chance to raise critical support for our next decade of programming.”

Proceeds from the gala will support the Wayne Theatre’s artistic programs, education initiatives, and community partnerships. Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations and individuals who wish to celebrate with the Wayne while underwriting important community arts work.

Details

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• What: Wayne Gala: A Centennial Celebration: 100 Years Remembered, 10 Years Renewed
• When: Saturday, April 18: cocktail hour followed by dinner, entertainment, and dancing
• Where: Hazy Mountain Vineyard, 240 Hazy Mountain Lane, Afton
• Tickets: On sale now. Visit waynetheatre.org and choose the ‘Gala’ tab to purchase.
• Sponsorships and information: Call 540.943.9999