By Terra Avilla
COVID-19 has hit a lot of our local businesses hard. One of my favorite Lassen County attractions has most certainly felt the economic stress of the shutdowns and I am so happy that they are back open – the Sierra Theatre and Uptown Cinemas.
For our small town, we are pretty fortunate that we have not only one, but two, theaters to choose from. Each location, with their own charm.
I don’t know about you all, but our theaters have most definitely ruined other theaters for me for an array of reasons. Reason number one being the price.
Holey Moley! Somehow our theaters have managed to keep their prices very minimal but still offer matinee pricing. Secondly their food prices always make me relieved, as I can order goodies for my entire family and not need to take out a second mortgage on my house.
Secondly, the atmosphere in the theaters is a great mix – high quality, while still maintaining our small-town vibe.
Third, if the show time is at 08:10p.m., I can show up at 8:05pm, and still get a good seat. The theaters offer a lot of seating, and I have never had to fight for good seats.
I will never forget one of my most proud “I am Susanvillian” moments, was when I was able to snag, not two, but four tickets for the final Harry Potter movie for my sisters and I.
I remember calling them and telling them I had the tickets in hand, and them thinking I had some elite connection to the movie theater owners.
They were even more impressed that we didn’t have to line up eight hours ahead of time to get a decent seat. They made several comments about how lucky Susanville was to have these cute little theaters.
Fourth, they are truly a kid and family-friendly place. I remember taking Peach to see Finding Dory when she was three and all she did was crawl on the ground eating other patron’s lost candy. I was able to move up into a separate wing of the theater where she could move around, without disturbing other guests.
With the COVID-19 shutdowns, I can venture to guess that they have been heavily impacted by the lack of business, so I encourage all of you to go and show your support.
The theaters are certainly beneficial to our town, as entrainment, date night and just a way for friends to relax together. I would be incredibly saddened if we did not have them anymore.
They have always been very generous, often donating tickets and other goodies when asked to do so.
I have so many great memories inside that theater and I know I am not alone. (Last time I went, I observed what I am pretty sure was two young teen’s first date.) I want to make sure they are around for others to enjoy in the future.
