CLEARFIELD – The second digital projector is being installed this week at the Ritz Theater, so that it can be running for Friday’s evening show of “The Visit,” according to Pamela Babick, chair of the “Save the Ritz” committee.
Bob Knepp and his assistants have worked to get the new screen threaded in and are busy building the stands for the new speakers. In the projector room, Tony Tress of Strong Technical Service is doing what he does best – installing digital equipment, said Babick.
When asked how he felt about the arrival of the new projector, Knepp, owner of the Ritz Theater, said, “It is like taking a big, deep breath and sighing… finally! Thanks to all the contributors and the help. We look forward to seeing you at the movies.”
Babick said that the “Save the Ritz” Committee started its fundraising campaign in June of 2013 after it was announced that 35mm film would soon be obsolete.
“The small committee of 10 members, dedicated to keeping the theater doors open, started its first fundraiser at the Bloom and Berry Bash in June of that year,” she said.
“From that moment, the members never stopped, selling anything from baked goods to T-shirts to black granite advertising stones for under the marquee.”
Babick added, “And Clearfield bought whatever we offered. The community did not want the theater to go dark, and it supported every fundraiser we had.
“I have said ‘thank you’ over and over these past two years, and the committee and I want the public to know those two little words come with our deepest appreciation.
“This is an amazing place to live. We have a new T-shirt that we will sell at the Fall Festival, and it states how we feel about the community. On the front, it reads: ‘The Ritz: Clearfield’s Hometown Theater … Ready for the Future.’”
Last month, she said that Knepp was finally in a position to borrow the last $22,000 for this second projector. This, she said, enabled the theater to get it much earlier than it could have through the “Save the Ritz” efforts.
“The members are not disbanding the committee. It will slow down but will continue to have fundraisers to help pay back the loan,” said Babick.
Babick asked people to like the Help Save the Ritz Facebook page to learn more about its fundraisers. She said people can also help by “just coming to the movies.”
