Saying goodbye to an old friend

Our View

Published on Friday, March 19, 2010 12:25 AM CDT

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Tomorrow, the process of rebuilding after Katrina continues as Slidell residents say goodbye to a real fixture in Olde Towne, the Slidell Municipal Auditorium.

Like other public buildings in Olde Towne, the auditorium was heavily damaged during the storm. After almost four years of wrangling and negotiating with FEMA, the city will tear down the auditorium in April and build a new facility.

There will be a display in the auditorium tomorrow of pictures and memorabilia from the glory days of the buildings. Residents have submitted photos and other memories of their times in the facility. It has hosted innumerable Mardi Gras balls, school proms, conventions, town hall meetings and various club functions. The exhibit will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Following that, the Friends of Art will hold the final official function in the facility with their charter members gala, called “The Final Curtain Call.” It’s always sad to say goodbye to an old friend, especially one like the auditorium that has played such a big role in the community. Come on out and say goodbye tomorrow, but also rejoice in the fact that the auditorium will come back bigger and better than before.

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Comments

3 comment(s)

Blondie wrote on Mar 24, 2010 12:42 PM:

" It will be missed :( "

Amanda Johnson wrote on Mar 19, 2010 7:38 PM:

" I remember having the Toys for Tots there when I was about 4 or 5 and was in multiple beauty pageants there when I was little. I haven't been back there in awhile and remember it so clearly. My grandmother used to take me to see plays there; now I'm 32 and am glad I have those memories. Another turning of the page I guess. "

Bob Lawrence wrote on Mar 19, 2010 10:55 AM:

" I hope the city tilts the floor toward the stage this time like a theatre so people on the back rows can see the stage. I remember taking my grandchildren to see "The Nutcracker".
We were seated near the back and I had to let the five-year-old children stand precariously on folding chairs so they could see. I heard the music but saw little. If you want to build an activity hall, add it. "

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