The Appalachian Theatre is Celebrating it's 84th Anniversary

The excitement in the air was electric on Monday, November 14, 1938 as local residents and curiosity-seekers throughout the High Country and beyond gathered on King Street for the “Gala Opening Program” of the Appalachian Theatre in Boone, NC.

So many people wanted to be in the first day audience of “Western Carolina’s Finest Theatre” that the opening festivities were repeated three times that day at 3:45, 7 and 9 p.m. The combined attendance was estimated in the media at approximately 3,000 persons in the then 997-seat venue, meaning that each of the three programs was completely sold out. Eighty-four years later to the day – also on a Monday – the App Theatre is hosting a free community-wide drop-in event to commemorate the birthday of the venerable landmark on King Street. Planned activities include a photo booth, face painting, “Twist, the Balloon Man,” birthday cupcakes, a classic newsreel, and screenings of several family-friendly short animated films, among other surprises. The free event takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Guests will see vintage classics featuring Mickey Mouse, Popeye the Sailor, and Zorro