Midway There: The Revival and Survival of the Midway Theater
“Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”
The Midway Theater & Cultural Events Center, in Burlington, Colorado.
One of my earliest childhood memories is from the summer of 1991, when my aunt took me to see Disney’s 101 Dalmatians at the local movie theater. I also remember watching Titanic on the big screen - one of the most successful box office hits of all time. What made those nights unforgettable wasn’t just the movies—it was the shared moment, the feeling of connectedness, and the way a night at the theater made you feel part of something truly special.
For those of us who grew up going to the movies, it wasn’t just about seeing a new film—it was about the experience and the sense of community. It was the smell of popcorn, the chance to run into friends or classmates, and the excitement of watching a movie you otherwise wouldn’t be able to see for months, when it finally came out on VHS.
Times have certainly changed, as companies like Netflix and Amazon have made it incredibly easy to stay home and be entertained. The Covid pandemic then took its toll on the movie theater industry, which has yet to recover five years later. Sadly, this has left many iconic theaters struggling to keep the doors open.
The Midway Theater & Cultural Event Center in Burlington, Colorado, is one of them. Built in 1916 and located “midway” down Main Street, the Midway Theater has weathered its share of storms. It most recently closed in 2012, when the shift to digital projection required a costly upgrade that the owners couldn’t justify.
Around Christmas of 2014, something special happened. Two local women—Debbie Hinkhouse and Tara Penny—felt called to bring the Midway Theater back to life. “Tara called and said, ‘I talked to Mr. Albertson [the owner] and we can go look at the theater,’” Debbie recalls. “When we went in, it was like being kids in a candy store, peeking behind the curtains.” That visit sparked the vision to restore the nearly century-old building.
Recognizing the scope of the project, they enlisted the help of Ken Viken, a community-minded businessman experienced in renovation projects. He proposed forming a nonprofit, and in March 2015, Our Hometown Charitable Foundation (OHCF) was established. The board was then formed with additional community-minded individuals, each bringing valuable expertise to the table.
To get the town excited, the board launched “Drag Main for the Midway,” a fundraising event that invited locals to cruise up and down Main Street and drop donations into a bucket stationed at the north end. “Little kids were bringing bags of change from their piggy banks,” Debbie says. “At the first one, the bucket was so heavy with coins we couldn’t even lift it.”
The OHCF board also hosted several fundraisers, in which the community showed up and gave their unwavering support.
As renovation bids were submitted, the building’s age became alarmingly clear. One electrician looked at the breaker box and told Debbie, “I can’t believe this place hasn’t burned down.” Particleboard walls, outdated wiring, and weakened rafters—everything in the building needed attention.
After months of due diligence and fundraising, the renovation began. Local businesses donated their services, and community members volunteered their hands-on labor. The project took over $830,000.00 and nearly two years to complete.
In December of 2016, on its 100th year anniversary, the Midway Theater marquee was relit, and the community was able to attend their first movie in over four years. Hinkhouse tells the story, “Two weeks before we opened, I walked those chairs, praying for every person that would be sitting in them. I prayed for every person who contributed, from the tear down to the build back up. The first time I went to church for a Christmas Eve service, I was overwhelmed by the presence; I knew there were so many reasons for families to be there.”
Today, the Midway Theater is more than a movie theater. It’s a space for Sunday worship, meetings, concerts, plays, and many other community events.
While the Midway Theater story appears to have a happy ending, the reality is more complicated. This beloved landmark—once the heart of a community-wide revival—is now quietly struggling. Movie attendance has dwindled, there are few volunteers, and the cost of keeping the doors open continues to climb.
On average, it takes over $100,000 a year to operate the Midway Theater—and that’s assuming no major repairs. With modern digital equipment, even small repairs can come with a hefty price tag.
What many don’t realize is that very little revenue comes from movie ticket sales. The real margins are in concessions. That’s why the Midway Theater keeps its ticket prices low—just $6 for adults and $4 for children. Compare that to the rest of Colorado, where the average ticket costs $17.57, according to a study by FOX31 Denver (source: Colorado among states where movie tickets are most expensive). Even if the Midway Theater raised its prices, a large percentage of the revenue would still go back to the film distributors.
The goal is not to charge more—it’s to bring more people through the doors. More moviegoers mean more popcorn, more snacks, and more support. It’s the concession stand—not the ticket counter—that helps pay the bills. Unfortunately, not enough people are showing up, and it’s affecting the bottom line.
Right now, the theater is at a crossroads. Running in the red is not sustainable. At some point, the question must shift from how do we survive to how do we thrive? While a few generous individuals and businesses continue to give their time, resources, and unwavering support to keep the doors open, it’s becoming a heavy burden.
This venue holds remarkable potential, right in the heart of our community. After all the work, time, and heart invested, now is not the time to let it fade. So, what can be done? How can you make a difference? Here are simple ways to support the Midway Theater:
Attend a movie with family or friends. Even one night out can make a big difference. Invite others to join you and help fill the seats.
Not into Hollywood these days? That’s okay. You can still stop by and purchase concessions—popcorn, candy, and their famous soft serve ice cream—without watching a movie. Every sale counts.
Purchase a gift card for someone special. Give the gift of a night out. Whether it's for a birthday, a thank-you, or just because, a Midway Theater gift card is a thoughtful way to support local and share the fun of the movies.
Volunteer your time. One of the special things about rural theaters is the chance to get involved. It’s a great way to give back and invest in the next generation. As a side note, the OHCF annually awards two graduating seniors a $1,500 scholarship based on their volunteer hours at the theater. If you are 14 or older, you are eligible to volunteer, and paid positions are available.
Sponsor a movie. Want to support the Midway Theater while promoting your business or cause? Sponsoring a film is a meaningful and visible way to do both.
Rent the theater for a private event. From birthday parties to concerts, guest speakers to comedians, the Midway Theater is more than just a movie theater. It’s a community venue. Make it yours.
To learn more, visit the Midway Theater’s website.
There are few things greater than living in a rural community. Here, we don’t just live near each other, we show up for one another. That’s why places like the Midway Theater matter. It’s more than a place to catch the latest film—it’s where memories are made, stories are shared, and neighbors become friends. The strength of the theater doesn’t come from ticket sales or screens—it comes from the people who walk through its doors.
Now, it’s time to show up.
If we want the Midway Theater to remain a place where our children and grandchildren can create their own memories—where families gather, friends connect, and community traditions thrive—we must act. Whether buying ice cream, volunteering, or sponsoring a movie night, your contribution counts.
Let’s not wait until the doors close to realize what we had. Let’s keep the Midway Theater marquee on for years to come. This theater is more than just a building—it’s where our community gathers, connects, and creates memories. It’s our turn not just to keep the doors open, but to preserve the legacy of the unique experience and sense of community that only a small-town theater can provide—a legacy worth passing on for generations to come.
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Sources:
FOX31 Denver. (2024, March 13). Colorado among states where movie tickets are most expensive: Report. Retrieved from https://kdvr.com/news/data/colorado-among-states-where-movie-tickets-are-most-expensive-report/
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
