"Oh my gosh. You're not kidding me? This isn't an April Fool's joke?"
That was Jocelyn Dougherty's reaction when we called to tell her that her business, the Orpheum Theatre in Estevan, won a $25,000 advertising package from Golden West and Homefield just for signing up for our Accelerate 2025 contest earlier in March.
Local businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy. With all of the uncertainty in the world, Golden West and Homefield wanted to provide businesses a way to promote their businesses for free. That's why we created 'Accelerate 2025' - a contest where everybody won! Each business that signed up for the contest on our portal automatically received 30 FREE 30-second ads that they can use on local Golden West stations. The grand prize winner received a $25,000 advertising package to use however they see fit.
Hundreds of businesses throughout the province entered the contest, but one business stood out. That business is the Orpheum Theatre, located in Estevan's downtown core on 4th Street. For many residents, the theater isn't just another theatre - it's become the lifeblood of the community.
"I can't tell you what great timing this is for our business. As you know, we've been closed here for a while for restoration after that flood and this would be wonderful to be able to get back in the public eye. I know that we're opening soon and [we're going to] advertise our business. I can't thank you enough. This is just wonderful news."
For about 111 years, the Orpheum Theatre has been a staple of entertainment, not just in Estevan, but for the entire southeast corner. Married couple Jocelyn and Al Dougherty have owned the theatre for more than 27 years. However, due to construction around the area and a rainstorm that fell on Estevan back in August, the theatre suffered major flooding in its cinemas and basement. Jocelyn and her husband Al, who runs the theatre with her, had to make the difficult decision to close down the theatre to make major repairs.
LISTEN: The Orpheum Theatre in Estevan receives $25,000 advertising package from Golden West and Homefield through Accelerate 2025
The Orpheum wasn't fully closed. For one night in January, they reopened the theatre to feature comedian Quick Dick McDick, which sold out fast. She was elated to see massive support from the community, even though the theatre was closed.
"It was so exciting and we're so appreciative that everybody came. We sold out the comedian, Quick Dick McDick, and he put on a great show. We, of course, didn't have the facilities, the bathrooms in the basement available. So, we had to get some portable facilities outside for people to use and I didn't hear one complaint. Everybody was just happy to have it open again, even if it was just for one night and we just can't thank people enough for supporting us."
The light is at the end of the tunnel for the Dougherty's, as they're getting ready to reopen the theatre for everyone.
"We're finally getting close to reopening. We're hoping for May sometime here, but the whole process dealing with insurance companies, as anybody who's ever dealt with one knows, everything takes time -- and way more time than we had hoped. We were hoping we would have been open by December already and we're still waiting. Currently, there's a new floor going to be put in the basement and as soon as that's in, then there's some final touches. So, at least we're seeing the end of the road finally."
"It's time to get off the couches again. Let's go to the movies and enjoy yourself at the Orpheum."
Jocelyn and Al are preparing every day for when they're able to open the Orpheum Theatre to the public. Just like the community, their staff are also itching to be back working in the theatre. While there's no date set yet for reopening, Jocelyn hopes to open their doors sometime in May.
"We do hope that we get at least half our staff back. They've been very patient waiting for us to open our doors again. These last contractors working at the theater, thank you for all the hard work you've been doing to try to get us open up as quickly as possible. And last but not least, Golden West, you guys are amazing. You've always supported the theater and helped us promote so many special events in the past. We thank you. And this is just the icing on top of the cake. This $25,000 is going to help us so much."
Golden West Broadcasting and Homefield stand for local businesses. They're ready to take your business to the next level. Wherever your audience are, we can help you reach them. Radio, online, social media and everything in between - we do it all! Find out how we can help your business thrive here.