By MATT PIKE
Local grant funding is helping support the Friends of the Missouri Theater during its Centennial Celebration Series events in 2026.
The group was awarded a $1,200 grant from the Norma J. and William J. Kenney Charitable Trust/U.S. Bank, St Joseph, MO, Trustee. The Friends group also received a marketing grant of $2,000 from the St Joseph Downtown Community Improvement District for Centennial Celebration events held throughout downtown St. Joseph in 2026.
A report from the Friends of the Missouri Theatre says that events thus far have been well-received and well-attended. Some examples of events include the Batik Fabric Lamassu workshop at Art Attack Studio in April, which had 13 participants. The Silent Film Fest at the Missouri Theater in May was attended by 140 people. The current run of guided tours offered at the theater has averaged 23 for each of the first three events in June.
“We are gratified by the interest people have shown in these opportunities to become more deeply engaged with this treasured landmark,” Chair of the Centennial Celebration Series Committee, Friends of the Missouri Theater Lori McAlister says in a release from the group. “It’s easy to stop seeing the exceptional aspects of a building that you often pass by or even attend performances in. That’s why we started creating events three years out; to give people a chance to hear about it and learn more about it so they know what we’re celebrating in 2027.”
The group is planning a run of special events in 2027, culminating in Centennial Days which will be held June 25th through July 7th, 2027.
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