Chief Theater Sign takes first step to restoration
Things are finally on the move – literally – for the Chief Theater Sign.
The sign has been in storage at the Pocatello airport in three pieces for decades. Friday morning, Those pieces were loaded onto a flatbed and transported to Idaho Falls.
From there they will be shipped to St. George, UT, where the sign’s lights and paint will be completely redone.
Committee members for the Relight the Night said they’re excited for the sign to be shown at this year’s day-after-Thanksgiving parade.
They also said one of the most exciting parts is finding out who will flip the switch to turn the light on for the first time.
The Old Town Pocatello organization will be selling raffle tickets for the chance to win the top prize – relighting the sign – among other memorabilia like a handmade Chief Theater quilt, a painted portrait by Laraine Hatch and a yellow quartz necklace from Molinelli’s Jewelers.
Tickets are $5 each, 6 tickets for $25 and 15 tickets for $50. Anyone who buys 25 raffle tickets for $100 will get a t-shirt and their name in the program, and anyone who buys 50 tickets for $500 will receive a t-shirt and name on a sign plaque.
All proceeds will go toward a permanent maintenance fund for the Chief Theater sign, as well as relighting other neon signs in Old Town. Tickets can be purchased at Old Town Pocatello Inc., 420 N. Main St. and the Pocatello Co-Op, 515 N. Main St.
