(Note: The article has been corrected to reflect the correct date of the unveiling on Friday, April 24.)
The old Iola Theatre Marquee will shine again.
Maria Unruh, a member of the Iola Theatre Association, told City Council members Monday the entire east facade of the theatre at 202 S. Washington Ave. will be unveiled the evening of April 24.
A full evening of activities is planned, with performances by the Iola High School and Allen Community College jazz bands. Surrounding restaurants will have assorted treats and refreshments as well.
The fun culminates with the unveiling of the marquee — an exact replica of the original from when the theatre opened its doors in 1931 — at 8:15 p.m.
“We’re very excited,” Unruh said.
Council members approved Unruh’s request to close off Washington in front of the building to accommodate the festivities.
ANOTHER staple of Iola’s yesteryear — the Iola Municipal Band — will once again bring its weekly summer concert series to the bandstand on the square on Thursday evenings.
This year’s season will have one change from its regular Thursday evening concerts.
That’s because the band was invited by Lt. Gov. David Toland, to play in front of the State Capitol in Topeka at some point this summer.
But the three potential dates for the Topeka performances — June 11, June 25 or July 16 — are all on Thursdays, the same night the band normally would perform in Iola.
Regardless, City Council members approved a request from Band Director Phil Becker to have the band perform on an alternate night in Iola the same week they’re in Topeka.
