It’s the time of the year when the community gets to celebrate its favorite gathering place — the beloved Panida Theater.

The Panida first opened in November 1927 and the community efforts came together to re-open the theater as a non-profit organization in November 1985. This double birthday will be celebrated with an ice cream social at the Panida’s annual membership meeting on Nov. 23 at 3:30 p.m. in the Panida Little Theater.

Challenges, choices and community will be the theme for the meeting. The Panida has collaborated with many local organizations this past year to add to their diverse programming. The community has many other venue choices now and the movie industry has changed dramatically in the last few years which posses some serious financial challenges. Community continues to be the ongoing driving force behind the Panida despite the challenges and the community ultimately choses the future of the Panida through their contributions and support.

“There is something for everyone at the Panida throughout the year and all are welcomed. There is reason to continue to celebrate all of the many patrons and volunteers who take tremendous pride in keeping the doors open and this also gives us the opportunity to say thank you and to honor the past support,” said Executive Director Patricia Walker.

The Panida Board of Directors includes Robert Moore, chairperson; Aric Spence, vice chair; Foster Cline, secretary; and at-large members, Carol Thomas, Lenny Hess and Abby Ulman.

The mission of the historic Panida Theater is to share and protect the historical integrity of the Panida Theater as a center of entertainment, education and community involvement. As part of its vision, the theater seeks to preserve, protect and provide a venue to enrich the community culturally and economically. Its values are historic preservation, inclusivity, collaboration, diversity, education and economic stability.

The board and staff invite the community to join them at the ice cream social and annual meeting.