Big Celebration for Two Local Landmarks
Native Sons Hall and Sid Williams Theatre invite the public to an afternoon of events
Two of Courtenay’s oldest landmarks are having a party. On Saturday, August 21 between noon and 4 pm, the restored Native Sons Hall and adjacent Sid Williams Theatre will host a community celebration honouring big milestones in their respective histories.The Native Sons Hall is having its grand re-opening after a $1.8 million renovation, while the Sid Williams Theatre is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
A full afternoon of events will take place in both facilities as well as the neighbouring Courtenay and District Museum. 
| | Schedule of Events |
| Noon to 1 pm | Live entertainment at the fountain plaza on the corner of 5th Street and Cliffe Avenue |
| Noon to 4 pm | Hourly hosted tours of the Native Sons Hall |
| Noon to 4 pm | Display of old movie memorabilia in the Sid Williams Theatre lobby; 1930’s/1940’s costume contest |
| Noon to 4 pm | “Headlines” exhibit at the Courtenay and District Museum. See news making events through newspapers in the Comox Valley during the twentieth century. |
| 1 pm | "What Would Joe think now?" Lecture at the Courtenay Museum by Ian Kennedy, author of the recently released book “The Life and Times of Joseph McPhee: Courtenay’s Founding Father.” Has the city McPhee founded lived up to his expectations? |
| 2 pm | Laurel and Hardy’s classic 1935 feature “Babes in Toyland” at the Sid Williams Theatre. This slapstick comedy is considered the most lavish film of their careers. |
Native Sons Hall
The Native Sons Hall has been an iconic landmark in the Comox Valley since 1928, and is the largest free-span log structure in Canada. Outside, the log walls have been repaired and refurbished. On the inside, the kitchens and bar area feature all new equipment. Bathrooms are fully updated and wheelchair accessible, and the hardwood floor has been replaced.
The Hall is now available to rent for community events and private functions, but to get a true appreciation for the unique structure of the facility as well as its long and varied history in the Comox Valley, attend one of the hourly guided tours with a representative from the Courtenay and District Museum during the grand opening event.
A significant portion of funding for the $1.8 million renovation was provided by the Canada and B.C. Infrastructure Stimulus Funds, as well as a generous grant from the Vancouver Foundation.
Sid Williams Theatre
The Sid Williams Theatre had its start in 1935 as “The Bickle Theatre,” a state-of-the-art sound movie theatre. It also hosted a number of plays and musical events before later turning into an auction house.In 1971 the facility was reborn as the Civic Theatre, a community performing arts theatre, a role it continues to this day. Later renamed after much loved local actor and comedian Sid Williams, and completely renovated in 1998, “The Sid” is one of the busiest community theatres in B.C.
Join in the celebration by attending Laurel and Hardy's 1935 classic film "Babes in Toyland." This was the first movie ever shown at the original Bickle Theatre. The Bickle family has generously loaned movie theatre memorabilia to display in the lobby for the afternoon.
For more information on the Native Sons Hall and Sid Williams Theatre celebrations, please call the Courtenay and District Museum at 250-334-0686 or the Sid Williams Theatre at 250-338-2420.
Last update :
Tuesday, November 23, 2010,2:35 PM
City of Courtenay, 830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2J7 Tel.(250) 334-4441 Fax. (250) 334-4241