<< Back 8/7/02 Colonial Theater re-opening lures large crowd to downtown Canton By David Teague If opening night was any indication, the people of Canton are more than ready to welcome the return of the Colonial Theater. More than 600 people turned out for two packed-house performances by Riders in the Sky, the popular western music band. And while the performances were fine, the smiles on people’s faces had a lot to do with the appearance of the renovated building itself. “It was wonderful, absolutely wonderful,” said Bob Phillips, a former Canton mayor and a frequent visitor to theaters like the Colonial, not only in his native Charlotte but around North Carolina. “When I walked in I couldn’t believe it. It was better than I ever envisioned it would be. It was beautiful inside, and the outside looked about like it used to look. I thoroughly enjoyed it as a theater and this now is a dream come true.” The Colonial was built in 1932 and operated as a theater until about 1970. The Town of Canton acquired the theater in 1998. The renovation, which cost more than $500,000, began last July. Gail Guy, executive director of the Canton Papertown Association, said people were still talking about the theater all day Friday. She hopes that’s a good indication that people are ready to see it put to use. “This offers so much opportunity for the community,” she said. “It’s a real plus for downtown Canton. It certainly gives us a wonderful feeling about our town.” Negotiations are underway, Guy said, to coordinate some activities with the Haywood County Arts Council including an upcoming appearance by Fred Chappell, North Carolina’s poet laureate and a Canton native. The Canton Miss Labor Day pageant also will be held in the theater this year, as well as a class reunion and a performance by Voices in the Laurel childrens choir in December. Other possibilities include performances during the N.C. International Dance Festival, Folkmoot USA. “Hopefully, we’ll have some type of events for everyone’s taste,” Guy said. “There is also a side area that can be used for receptions or business meetings.” For the time being, booking of the theater will be coordinated by CPA and the Canton town hall, Guy said.