The volunteer base is very good, and there are always people on the spare list to help out. As Butler said, there would be no way the Avalon could stay open without their contributions.

The movies are only one part of the story. The school performs its plays there. The arts council holds its shows in the theatre. There are weddings and birthday parties. Some will rent it for private showings. Like many community theatres, the Avalon is a major part of the town.

In June, they often host school field trips, from as far away as Birtle. As Butler explained, the kids will come to Souris and split in half – one group will spend the morning in the pool, the other in the theatre and then they will switch off for the afternoon. This is a major draw to Souris.

The closure is a real issue. Butler said there were a couple of birthday parties coming up that had to be moved out. There was also a rental to use the Avalon as a place to make a studio recording in February. Whether or not that will proceed now is up in the air.

The hope is the people who will take a look at the building will say whether or not it is safe to continue operating with the leak. If they can, the board will reopen and then fix the roof when it can be done. Butler said the building is owned by Souris-Glenwood, but the board will likely be looking at fundraisers and applying to grants to chip into that cost.

They have already received donations to help with refurbishing the concession area. They will be repainting the walls, adding cupboard space and new countertops. This will be done, perhaps during the closure.

Butler said keeping the space closed is tough, as there are bills to pay and no money coming in. As well, as stated, it is a well-used space, with some events already moved. Their fingers are crossed there will not be more.

“I think it is very important to have it up and running,” she stated, “and I know the community feels the same.”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff