Fort Macleod sits comfortably along Highway 3 in southern Alberta, with little attracting attention to the town.

However, a historic main street has drawn eyes for years. Centre of it is the Empress Theatre , which first opened in 1912.

This spring, the theatre closed its doors to complete needed renovations. Now, it’s raising the curtain once again.

“In a small community, the theatre is so important to (us), but even to those in the surrounding area. We’ve been closed for a while, so we’re excited to be back,” said Jackie Nelson, the new president of the Empress Theatre Society.

She referred to the renovations as more of a ‘facelift’ than structural work.

“It needed it. The seats were becoming a little uncomfortable when you’re sitting here for a show that’s going on for three hour

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