With the grand reopening of the Golden Civic Centre set to happen on the New Years Eve weekend .
“It is pretty amazing. It is more than a dream. When we first started imagining when we were going up in the rafters and see where all the old 1911 beams were…now that they have all been joined together with the wood from the mill, it is amazing,” said Bill Usher, artistic and executive director of Kicking Horse Culture.
He said one of the nice parts of the renovations is the fact the building will now have everything needed to put on shows and performances while still doing many of the events which were held there in the past.
As for the last few weeks Usher explained like many projects of this size it is hard work and quality that will make the opening work.
“It is last minute and it has been non-stop for many people for a number of weeks. Trying to get things finished and the attention to detail,” Usher said.
As for what he is personally looking forward to Usher said, “I am really looking forward to the nights. I know how special these nights of performances will be in the hall. I just could not ever be able to put together the resources to put that kind of show together. For Golden and its country pioneer past bringing in this music, people will be blown away. People just have to trust and come on out because they will not be able to imagine what the old hall was like sitting and looking at the stage up there,” he said. Usher added he is excited to get people in the hall where he will be able to take a seat and enjoy the performances from the many great performers booked on the different evenings.”
Usher went on to say that it has been an amazing journey partially due to all of the support the group has received from volunteers, the workers, the town and everyone else who has stepped up to help get the project to the point it is today.
He wanted to make sure that people knew about the open house which will be happening on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 11-3. He is hoping many people from the community will come by to see what the new beginning for a valuable piece of Golden History now looks like.
“It will be everyone’s opportunity to come through the hall with some of us who have worked on the building,” he said.
