Mason City's Arlee Theater to host annual soup lunch, short film fest, and private screening raffle

[November 10, 2020]   As business slows down, the Arlee Theater doubles down to provide affordable family entertainment any way it can. While the theater is still showing movies every weekend, it’s adding a few extra things to its lineup.

On Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Arlee will conduct its annual soup lunch at the American Legion in Mason City.

In order to adapt to current safety guidelines, the lunch will be carry-out only. Each meal will include delicious Subway bread and Gaye Maxson's famous cinnamon Arlee Rolls. Soups will be prepared by local businesses Guzzardo's Italian Villa, Do Drop In Cafe and Smokey's Bar & Grill, and by Arlee volunteers with ingredients from IGA of Mason City.

Cost is by donation, and proceeds will go toward upgrading the theater's problematic 90-year-old boiler to a more energy efficient HVAC system.

The very next day, Sunday November 15, the Arlee will be hosting its second annual short film festival at 7 p.m.

An assortment of styles and mediums will be represented in this year's event, with shorts from all over Central Illinois and even a couple of submissions from abroad. Admission is by donation; all ticket proceeds will benefit the Mason City American Legion. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the screening will begin promptly at 7 p.m.

To assist with fundraising efforts toward the Arlee's much-needed heating system replacement, a free private movie screening will be raffled off this fall.

"A very generous supporter of the Arlee purchased a theater rental package, plus popcorn and drinks for up to 20 people, and donated it back to the Arlee to be given away," explained manager Marcia Maxson. "We host quite a few private rentals, but this is the first time someone wanted to gift one to a stranger, let alone in a way that further helps the Arlee with its mission!"

Entries in this raffle can be purchased at the Arlee concession stand during normal business hours, online at www.arlee
theater.com, or at the upcoming Soup Lunch on November 14.

The drawing itself will take place on Sunday, December 20, and the winner will be able to select the time and date of the screening.

For any additional information, please use the Arlee’s “contact us” form at www.
arleetheater.com or call 214-482-9999.

The Arlee is located at 139 S. Main Street in Mason City.

[Marcia Maxson Schwartz]