By Christina Lyons for the Daily Sun
When the Isis Cinema closed in 2018 in Crete, a group of concerned community members came together to form the Blue River Arts Council. The group is committed to rebuilding the theater, but found a need beyond construction.
“Our goals are to unite cultures, build community and boost the economy. Of course, resurrecting the Isis Theater is still important, but we strive to provide artistic and fun adventures for our diverse community,” said Shaylene Smith, President of the Blue River Art Council.
When COVID-19 curtailed many community activities in June 2020, the Blue Rivers Arts Council created a drive-in theater. They were able to offer several drive-in movie experiences for free, both COVID-19 safe and socially distanced.
Smith said the nonprofit has an event at least once a month. They had received a grant meant to make connections with Doane University students in the area.
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“Some students miss home after the first two weeks of class, and we wanted them to start feeling that Crete is home,” Smith said. “But then the planning snowballed to include celebrating the 150th year of Crete and Doane University’s connection. Crete High School was also having its homecoming that night.”
Smith said there was a parade with the Crete High School band and floats. Bounce houses and other family-friendly events downtown before the Cardinals football game. Later in the evening there was a beer garden and live music with the AM/FM band.
Smith estimates that 600 people attended the street festival.
Dr. Roger Hughes, president of Doane University, said in an interview with Pure Nebraska that Crete is an extension of Doane.
“We’ve been great partners for 150 years,” Hughes said. “It’s good for our students and good for the Crete community.”
The Blue Rivers Art Council consists of seven board members and five additional members with a focus on the Isis Theatre.
Reconstruction of the theater will begin next week, however, the project will not be completed until fundraising goals are met.
In late October, the Blue Rivers Arts Council will host a Latin DJ.
“We want to celebrate the diversity of the community,” Smith said.
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