City of North Bend release – Join us on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., at the historic Liberty Theatre in downtown North Bend, Oregon, for a spectacular event – the Liberty Theatre Sign Lighting Celebration! We are thrilled to announce the re-creation and installation of a magnificent neon blade sign on the Liberty Theatre, an iconic landmark in our community. This exciting development is made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Little Theatre on the Bay, in partnership with the North Bend Main Street program, and the generous support of Oregon Heritage. Event Highlights: • Free Liberty Sign Stickers: Show your pride with complimentary Liberty sign stickers. • Free Popcorn: Enjoy free popcorn from 5 PM to 6 PM. • Commemorative Sign Lapel Pins: Purchase limited-edition lapel pins to commemorate this historic moment. • Meet Miss Coos County: Get a chance to meet Miss Coos County. • Meet the von Trapp Children and Maria: Be introduced to the talented cast from the upcoming show “Sound of Music.” • Mystery Guest: Witness the grand moment as a mystery guest “Flips the Switch” to illuminate the neon lights. • Ribbon Cutting: The Bay Area Chamber Ambassadors will assist in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Liberty Theatre, designed in the Moorish style by renowned architect John Tourtellotte, opened its doors on Easter Sunday in 1924. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in our community’s cultural life. The original neon blade sign was installed in 1931, becoming a cherished symbol of downtown North Bend’s vibrant arts scene. Standing at an impressive 20 feet tall, the newly designed blade sign is a faithful recreation based on historic building photographs. Crafted from aluminum and painted in a rich dark blue, the sign will be lit with stunning gold neon lighting. On show nights, a captivating 9-point sequencer will animate the sign, with yellow, red, and dark red lightning bolts activating in sequence, followed by arrows pointing down to each letter. The ES&A Sign & Awning Company in Eugene has expertly manufactured and installed the sign, ensuring that the Liberty Theatre continues to shine as a beacon of performing arts in our community. Jeanne Woods, Chairperson of the Liberty Theatre Restoration Committee, remarked, “Our historic theatre consultant, George Kramer, likes to say, ‘The show starts at the sidewalk.’ And we agree. The return of the majestic neon blade sign on the outside of the Liberty Theatre will remind everyone that downtown North Bend is a hub for the performing arts.” Aymée Pedder, President of Little Theatre on the Bay, expressed her gratitude, saying, “This new signage will make our community proud as it lights up North Bend’s central downtown business district. We are thankful for our incredible donors and patrons.” The North Bend Main Street Program, with the support of Oregon Heritage, awarded a matching grant worth $174,805, which includes a 30 percent contribution from the Little Theatre on the Bay. This grant has funded the neon blade sign, replacing the auditorium’s main stage flame-resistant curtain, and repairs to the exterior concrete entryway. These improvements contribute to economic revitalization in North Bend’s central downtown business district, aligning with the goals of the Oregon Main Street Network. Little Theatre on the Bay is committed to preserving and enhancing the Liberty Theatre, and its multi-year/multi-phase capital campaign, initiated in 2015, is on track to reach its completion goal by Liberty’s 100th birthday in spring 2024. The campaign focuses on accessibility, youth programming, school partnerships, and downtown economic development. Over $3.5 million has already been raised to support the restoration effort’s eight phases. About Little Theatre on the Bay: Little Theatre on the Bay is a non-profit organization with a mission to cultivate the arts in Coos County. Established in 1947, it has been an integral part of the North Bend/Coos Bay arts community, providing a platform for actors, directors, and technicians of all ages to showcase their talents. LTOB operates as an all-volunteer organization and encourages community involvement in various capacities. Join us at the Liberty Theatre, home of Little Theatre on the Bay, for exciting upcoming shows: • Other Desert Cities: January 19-February 3, 2024; • The Sound of Music: March 15-April 7, 2024. For more information about the Liberty Theatre Sign Lighting Celebration and other upcoming events, please visit our website at thelibertytheatre.org or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/thelibertytheatrenorthbend. Let’s come together to celebrate this momentous occasion and illuminate the heart of our community with the grandeur of the Liberty Theatre’s neon blade sign. We look forward to welcoming you on January 19, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., as we relight the legacy of North Bend’s historic landmark.
