Park theater shutting down

Park Falls, Wis. (WCQM/WPFP) – After 75 years of being a downtown staple, the Park Theater has announced they are shutting down.

For the last five years, it’s been owned by Paul Freiburger and his wife Katie, who bought it weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Katie tells us here at 98 that they decided to close because of economics.

The rise of streaming services, increasing supply costs, and a drop in theater attendance all contributed to the hard decision.

“For us to be able to continue keeping the doors open, we are basically donating anywhere from three to five thousand dollars every single month out of our own pockets, just so Park Falls can have a movie theater,” Katie says.

She’s grown up with the theater since she was “really, really little. I don’t even remember what movie was playing, I just can remember being in there as a really small child with my brother and sister. Knowing that I have that memory kind of locked in, in my mind, I’m just glad that we’re able to give that experience to other people.”

The theater has hosted other events. Like comedians and even a local prom in 2021.

The Freiburgers will stay in town. Katie owns a business, too — Decor to Adore on Division Street. They’re planning to sell the theater.

The Park Theater closes Sunday, November 30. Its final weekend showings are free admission and focused on the holiday spirit. This weekend is Christmas Vacation. Next weekend, A Christmas Story. And Elf will be the theater’s final movie.