Roxy renovation receives $50,000

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Generations of local residents have been strolling in and out of the historic Roxy Theater in downtown Russellville.
Whether to see a movie, as in years past, or a concert or recital, the Roxy has been a big part of the county's past.
Now, it has the opportunity to be a part of the county's future.
State Senator Roger Bedford presented members of the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council with $50,000 this week that allow them to continue renovations on the theater.
Bedford said the money was obtained through a grant from the Alabama Department of Economic Affairs and is just the latest grant obtained for the theater's renovations.
"Over the last four to five years, I've been able to secure $200,000 in grants for the renovations of the Roxy Theater," Bedford said. "The Roxy is important to Russellville because it's a part of the past and it's our future because it can help develop tourism in the area."
Bedford said he has been working with the Arts Council for several years to obtain other funding separate from the grants he has helped secure.
Council President Susie Malone said the money will be used to convert the basement under the stage into dressing rooms, upgrade the restrooms, both upstairs and downstairs, and repair old plaster on the ceiling.
Malone said the work will begin as soon as the council can secure the contractors and get them on the site.
The Roxy Theater opens periodically to host shows and other events for the county.
A group currently hosts a concert series on the second Saturday of each month and has attracted growing crowds each month.
The Roxy will host an event on Thursday, July 24 beginning at 7 p.m., and will feature the RHS Jazz Band, and other local guests. Tickets for the event are $5 and children six and under are admitted free.
"We are also having a Swamp John's Fundraiser at the Roxy beginning at 3 p.m.," Malone said.
"All proceeds go toward the renovations of the Roxy."