The Traer Theatre pictured on Nov. 1, 2024. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

TRAER – The non-profit, community-supported Traer Theatre is back and ready for the holiday season with a new Sunday matinee!

The theater’s December lineup offers a great holiday list of family movies for all to enjoy including “The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever” playing Dec. 13-15, followed by “Mufasa: The Lion King” over Christmas and New Year’s (just $3 opening weekend!).

January kicks off 2025 with the highly anticipated “Wicked,” an R-rated movie, followed by “Gladiator II” and then “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.”

All films will play Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7 p.m. – Monday evening showtimes have been discontinued – along with a new Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

December is that time of year when everyone is thinking about gifts and at the theater we have our own bag of gifts to help you out. For December only, we offer $20 punch cards, good for 10 admissions, used however you want. Gift certificates in any amount are also available and can be used at the ticket window and at concessions. There are $3 admission passes too. The theatre can definitely help with your gift giving needs, and your purchase helps keep our hometown theater thriving.

Members of the Traer Theatre staff pictured on Nov. 1, 2024. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Support the Traer Theatre

Despite being located in a small, rural community, the Traer Theatre continues to offer first-run movies for just $3 but we need your support to keep it going. The very best way to do that is easy – attend the movies and buy concessions! Ticket prices are mostly consumed by movie distributor fees; concessions are thus the main way small town theaters cover expenses. Please keep this in mind at the treat counter and load up on hot popcorn, sweets, and cold drinks.

As a downtown anchor and valuable asset to the community, the Traer Theatre board prioritizes offering local entertainment at a low cost but we simply cannot do this without the community’s support. How, other than attending the movies, can the community help? There are many ways to support the theater even if you’re not local! One way is by advertising on our big screen for a very economical fee with different payment options available.

Another way to show your support for the theater is by becoming a ‘Sweet Sponsor’ – simply donate any amount to help alleviate the cost of concession purchases.

Monetary donations can be left at the theater with manager Madonna Merchant, dropped off at Farmers Savings Bank & Trust, or mailed to the theater (516 Second Street Traer, IA 50675).

Traer Theatre staff work to unlock the doors on Nov. 1, 2024, ahead of the 7 p.m. showtime. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

For those who like to make a tax-deductible donation, please direct donations to the Traer Community Foundation (c/o Farmers Savings Bank & Trust, PO Box 435, Traer, IA 50675) with a note indicating the contribution is earmarked for the Traer Theatre.

Whether you choose to attend the movies, purchase concessions, or donate from afar, remember to keep your money LOCAL this holiday season (and everyday!) by supporting small town entities and businesses which simply cannot survive without ongoing community support.

We appreciate everything the greater community continues to do for the theater and hope to see you soon at the movies!