https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1162696934/save-the-agawam-cinemas
Agawam Cinemas has been a fixture in our community since the late 1960s, supplying viewers with authentic cinematic entertainment throughout the years. Many of the residents of Agawam and the surrounding towns were saddened to abruptly learn that it's screens had gone dark with no notice, leaving it's committed patrons feeling
helpless. Due to the changes in the film industry,all movie theatres are forced to upgrade their 35mm projection equipment to the new digital projectors. As a consequence, it has been estimated that up to 20% of theaters across North America, representing up to 10,000 screens, may close.The Agawam Cinemas are now facing the same unfortunate fate, without the assistance of the surrounding community and new owner. Substantial discounts for digital equipment are given to multiplex theaters and large chains, but are not offered to small theaters. The message from the big movie companies to small theaters like ours is very clear: "Go digital or go dark." To raise the necessary funds to revitalize this theatre in order to keep it a viable asset to Agawam, the new owner and operator of the establishment has launched this Kickstarter campaign. This campaign will allow people to pledge donations to this fundraising effort, without having to commit the funds until the goal is reached successfully. In return for our donor's support we are pleased to offer various initiatives. We are striving to raise a modest percentage of the total that it will take to complete this digital conversion which is in excess of $100,000.00 (and includes new electrical requirements and updated sound equipment). The new owner is investing the remainder of the total for this project. It is with great pleasure that I announce that the revitalization of the digitized Agawam Cinemas we will now be operating on the first run circuit, meaning that we will be showing movies that are newly released into theatres! With the latest technology the movie quality will be state-of-the-art and an enjoyment for everyone. As of now we plan to stay away from 3D presentations so that we can keep our admission prices low. We are happy to be able to meet the needs of our community by offering an affordable venue for non-profit events and organizations. It will provide current and future generations with an even greater movie-going experience that can only be provided in a personalized, small town movie theater. The Agawam Cinemas can be saved, but only with your generous support! If our goal is reached, any donations made exceeding the goal amount will be put towards the upgrade of the sound systems for both auditoriums, upgraded seats, and acoustic treatments to compliment the sound quality. As the new owner who has been a lifelong customer of this establishment, I am looking forward to working hand in hand with all of you to ensure this theater thrives and remains operational in Agawam for many years to come. I vow to cater to the needs of the community who so generously supports and loves this theatre as much as I do. With this revitalization our customers will be able to enjoy newly released movies in state of the art picture and sound. The upgrades that are planned for the snack bar will surely satisfy everyone's craving for treats to enjoy during your movie experience, and all at a reasonable price! Also being available to the public will be a clean, unique, and affordable venue for birthday parties, business presentations, conferences, and private theater rentals for all occasions! Attendees will be able to show their business presentations on the big screen using our new digital equipment. If we all work together we can revitalize this historic entertainment venue for our town and have the opportunity to serve you with a great product, fantastic service, and a genuine smile. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1162696934/save-the-agawam-cinemas
Our convenient location and friendly environment are just the beginning of what we are able to offer! Our theatre provides each patron with a unique experience for several reasons, one of which being that we are fitted with the accessibility of isle-length tables that compliment each of our theatre seats! No more struggling to constantly find your cup holder in the dark while juggling your snacks in the other hand! Our lobby area, which will be updated and outfitted to provide a comfortable setting for all of our guests, will be an inviting area to rest and give you the opportunity to chat about movies with your fellow movie goers before your feature presentation begins. Our friendly and courteous staff looks forward to the opportunity to greet you! As the new owner and operator of the Agawam Cinemas I am proud to say that I have been a lifelong resident of Agawam. I grew up visiting this theatre as a child and have many fond memories of the incredible movie experiences I've had here. One could even say that the Agawam Cinemas started my enthusiasm and passion for movies, which I hope to share with all of you. There is something to be said about a great cinema experience: seeing your favorite actors or actresses on the big screen, enjoying a savory bucket of popcorn with an ice cold soda, laughing or crying with a crowd, and the critique that takes place as the credits start rolling. All at a reasonable small town price with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly employees, which is an atmosphere that seems to be disappearing from larger theatre establishments. I have made it my goal, both professionally and personally to ensure this theatre is able to continue to offer our customers this exemplary experience. It is my belief that, with the assistance of this tightknit community, we can pull together and make this project a success so that future generations may continue to experience the magic of a small town, family operated hometown theater.
