Ken Grant

There’s a special kind of spark that happens when Edmonds gathers in the dark to watch a story unfold on the big screen. It’s simple, it’s shared, and it’s something this town has always embraced.

Throwback Thursdays at The Edmonds Theater (tickets are $5) taps into that familiar magic – a beloved idea that’s found fresh energy here, drawing neighbors together in a way that feels both timeless and very right now.

This isn’t just nostalgia. It’s connection. It’s energy. It’s a night on the town. It’s neighbors showing up for neighbors.

Working with Justin Pritchett, manager of The Edmonds Theater, has been a privilege for me as the screening sponsor. The theater itself is a treasure –  102 years old, independently operated, and still doing what it was built to do: bring people together through film.

In a country where single‑screen theaters have become increasingly rare, the Edmonds Theater is part of a shrinking group, with only a small fraction of America’s thousands of theaters still operating with just one screen. That rarity makes what we have here even more meaningful.

We’ve also partnered closely with Ryan Crowther at the Edmonds Chamber, who has been instrumental in helping spread the word and bringing more people downtown. Every third Thursday, you can feel the shift – more foot traffic, more conversations, more of that Edmonds buzz that makes this place feel alive.

The turnout has been incredible. Films like “When Harry Met Sally” and “Casablanca” filled the theater to the last seat, true sellouts that reminded us just how much Edmonds loves a night at the movies. And with upcoming titles like “Risky Business” and “The Breakfast Club,” it’s clear the next few months are going to bring that same packed‑house energy.

One of the highlights of the night is the pre-movie segment: trivia, giveaways, and support from local businesses that jump in to make the evening even more fun. Yes, it’s scary when someone puts a mic in my hands. The audience loves it, and it’s another way to shine a light on the small businesses that keep our town so vibrant.

And while I’m not usually a sentimental, “remember the good old days” type, I have to admit, being part of celebrating the big screen has been unexpectedly meaningful. I grew up going to the movies.

Even with a great setup at home, nothing compares to the real thing: the scale of the drama, the power of a great score, the nuance of thoughtful direction, the detail of intricate cinematography. Film deserves a big canvas. And so does community.

Throwback Thursdays isn’t just about classic movies. It’s about community, connection, cross‑promotion, having fun, and supporting everything local. It’s about celebrating the places and people that make Edmonds feel like home.

Shop local. Be local. Think local. And long live the big screen, and loving local.