News : Palace 3D fund-raising passes $65,000; donations at $1K or more per day

More than 1,200 pair of 3D glasses are awaiting the first 3D movie at the Palace this summer.

Engineer Matt Mullen of Ohio discusses silver screen rigging with Alan Woodhouse, Gerald Horst.

Donations for the Vinton Palace digital projector system are arriving at a rate of $1,000 or more per day say Palace Managers Gerald and Marcy Horst.

This week, the fund-raising efforts passed the $65,000 mark, even as engineers have been looking at the Palace to try to find ways to design the rigging for the silver screen.

Unlike most other theaters, the Palace shares its space with the big screen and the stage. But the new silver screen, unlike the old screen, cannot be rolled up. It must be raised above the stage.

The rigging system is a large part of the expense, and is likely to raise the total cost of the project higher than the original $80,000, said Gerald Horst.

Two companies are submitting bids for the rigging system. One is from Ohio, the other from Cedar Rapids.

Yet, the project is still on schedule as planned.

The goal from the beginning has been to offer 3D movies for $3, and for now that is possible. The Palace has to pay royalties of 50 cents per patron for the 3D movies. The recyclable 3D glasses have been provided by the studio. As long as the studio continues providing the glasses, the Palace can continue charging $3 for the 3D movies. But if the Palace has to start purchasing glasses, the price will likely rise to $4 for 3D movies. The 2D movie price will remain at $2.

Advance Ticket Sales

A new feature, "Advance Ticket Sales" at the box office, is available at the Palace web site, www.vintonpalace.org, is the opportunity to purchase tickets for movies.

This feature will allow patrons to purchase advance tickets for movies - once the schedule is confirmed with the booker. This is usually the Tuesday before the movie opens. The cost will be an additional $1, which will include a seat saver charge and cover the per ticket cost of using the box office system to purchase tickets. Patrons will be able to pick their specific seats in advance and arrive at the theatre with their seats already saved the night of a show - just like online.

Future Fund-raising

And after the fund-raising for the digital system is finished and that project is paid for, the fund-raising for other Palace improvements, including new seats and stadium seating for the balcony, will continue.

"A lot of people have expressed interest in replacing seats and continuing with fund raising," said Marcy Horst. "We will continue the fund-raising after the July 1 date because people have said, 'I will keep giving if you keep fund-raising.'"