Arcada Theatre in St. Charles celebrates its 100th anniversary with Chubby Checker, Priscilla Presley and more

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A Labor Day weekend celebration of a decidedly different nature took place in St. Charles on Sunday as owners of the iconic Arcada Theatre threw a 100th anniversary party for the venue complete with a parade through downtown and appearances from Chubby Checker and Priscilla Presley.

According to a press release from the Arcada, “since first opening its doors on Sept. 6, 1926, the theatre has hosted everything from silent films and vaudeville acts to popular national touring shows. This weekend marks the latest chapter in its storied history.”

The celebration began with a 1 p.m. meet-and-greet session inside the theater’s Studio 64 with Priscilla Presley, followed by the Arcada Centennial Parade that began on the west side of the Fox River at Sixth Street and then headed east toward the Arcada at 105 E. Main St.

An evening show followed inside the theater at 6 p.m. with the History of Rock ‘N Roll Concert which included some iconic musicians from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s.

The press release noted that Arcada President and CEO Ron Onesti would be handing out “Arcada Theatre Legacy Awards” to bands with long histories at the venue, with more presentations as part of the day’s programming.

“The celebration has been a year in the making and we wanted to do something special that would reflect not only the history of the theater, but also a rock-n-roll feel with a nod to pop culture,” Onesti said. “I also wanted to do something that was more than just a parade. Something that people can participate in and what better way than have a street dance format.

“As I was planning this it made me think. What better way to get everybody to dance and participate than ‘The Twist’ and (Chubby Checker) agreed to come in,” Onesti said, noting that he first met Checker years ago. “I learned that to break the Guinness World Record for the biggest ‘Twist’ dance is about 3,000 people, and I said we can beat that, so that’s the idea.”

Cheryl Szaravajka of Vernon Hills was one of the well over 3,000 people who packed the street along North Avenue near the Arcada on Sunday awaiting ‘The Twist’ portion of the event.

“I know what’s going on here today. The song, ‘The Twist,’ is a classic and everyone can relate to it,” she said. “And, it’s fun. You don’t need a lot of talent. I remember watching my parents do it and seeing the videos. Today, we’re going to be a part of history.”

Laurie Milbourn of St. Charles said she has lived in town “my whole life” and said the Arcada Theatre is  “important for the local culture.”

“t’s absolutely amazing and it’s really the heart of St. Charles that draws so many people,” Milbourn said.

Both Checker, 84, whose real name is Ernest Evans, and Presley, 81, spoke inside the Arcada Sunday following the parade and offered their perspectives on the importance of venues like the Arcada.

“As far as venues like this – they are our past, they are our future,” Checker said about the Arcada, noting its 100th anniversary. “We’ve got 100 years behind us and 100 ahead of us.”

Presley agreed having theaters like the Arcada is “important to the culture and I think we need to do this more.”

She said theaters “bring people together and something that does that is important. We have to continue it.”

David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.