The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles marked its 100th anniversary with a grand celebration on Labor Day weekend. The event, held on Sunday, featured a parade, live performances, and appearances by notable personalities such as Chubby Checker and Priscilla Presley.
The theatre first opened its doors on September 6, 1926. Since then, it has hosted various entertainment forms, including silent films, vaudeville acts, and national touring shows. The anniversary celebration was a continuation of the venue’s rich history.
The celebration has been a year in the making and we wanted to do something special that would reflect not only the history of the theater, but also a rock-n-roll feel with a nod to pop culture.– Ron Onesti, Arcada President and CEO
The celebration began with a meet-and-greet with Priscilla Presley at Studio 64 in the theater. Following this, the Arcada Centennial Parade started at the Fox River and ended at the theater’s iconic location on East Main Street.
The evening featured the History of Rock ‘N Roll Concert, showcasing musicians from the 1960s to the 1980s. During the concert, Ron Onesti presented “Arcada Theatre Legacy Awards” to bands with a longstanding connection to the theatre.
Ron’s vision extended to a unique ‘Twist’ dance event. Inspired by Chubby Checker’s classic song, the event aimed to break the Guinness World Record for the largest ‘Twist’ street dance, which required over 3,000 participants. Chubby Checker himself performed ‘The Twist,’ encouraging over 3,000 attendees to join the dance.
I know what’s going on here today. The song, ‘The Twist,’ is a classic and everyone can relate to it. And, it’s fun. You don’t need a lot of talent. I remember watching my parents do it and seeing the videos. Today, we’re going to be a part of history.– Cheryl Szaravajka, Event Attendee
Both Chubby Checker and Priscilla Presley later addressed the crowd inside the theater. Checker acknowledged the significance of venues like the Arcada for both past and future generations. Presley emphasized the cultural importance of such theaters in bringing people together.
The successful event celebrated not only the theatre’s long history but also its role in community culture. The Arcada Theatre has been a central figure in St. Charles, drawing people in and serving as a cultural landmark.