News Photo by Darby Hinkley Thunder Bay Theatre is seen on Tuesday at the corner of Fletcher Street and North 2nd Avenue in Alpena.

ALPENA — A fundraiser for construction on Thunder Bay Theatre, where two fires occurred in 2020 and 2023, will be happening from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The Thunder Bay Theatre Boxed Wine Block Party will be held on Fletcher Street between 2nd Avenue and Ford Avenue in Alpena. The party will include games, food, a cash bar with different boxed wines, a 50/50 raffle, and music. Food will be provided by JJ’s Catering. There is a $10 suggested donation.

A July 2020 fire burned down John A. Lau Saloon and caused smoke damage at the adjacent Thunder Bay Theatre. In 2023, a fire started in the back warehouse of the building and caused a total loss to the rear section of the theater.

The 2020 fire caused $1.4 million in damages, which the theater has paid off through grants, according to Anne Gentry, president of the Thunder Bay Theatre board of directors.

The total project after the 2023 fire cost about $1.9 million, with $250,000 left to raise, Gentry said. The project has taken longer than expected, but they are close to being done.

Block party attendees will have a chance to see the renovation progress and help raise funds to cross the finish line, Gentry said.

“It’s a fun opportunity for people to learn what goes on at the theater so we can raise some money and get reopened,” Gentry stated.

Thunder Bay Theatre is a nonprofit performing arts organization committed to providing consistent, high-quality productions, educational opportunities, and additional arts and cultural events utilizing a professional company augmented with volunteer talent, according to their website.

Thunder Bay Theatre also seeks to cultivate and educate young artists, pursue professional standards and expectations, engage the community, embrace creativity, and explore, educate, and discuss topics of diversity and inclusion.

Thunder Bay Theatre began as Thunder Bay Summer Theatre in 1967, operating as a summer theater out of Alpena Civic Theatre’s (ACT) facility on River Street in Alpena, formed by Keith Titus, according to the TBT website. In 1977, Thunder Bay Theatre officially became a nonprofit entity because of the work of Clarence and Joan Dailey and Sonya and Keith Titus, following a five-year hiatus of summer productions after Alpena Community College withdrew its financial support due to budget constraints. In 1982, Thunder Bay Theatre had its first year of year-round productions after hiring B.J. Love as the first artistic director.

One year later in 1983, Thunder Bay Theatre purchased and renovated their current home at 400 N. 2nd Ave. in downtown Alpena, a nearly 100-year old building that previously housed Alpena Cigar and Candy Factory, according to the TBT website. The season kicked off with “The King and I” in 1983. Keith and Ginny Titus continued to direct and produce shows, and Ginny opened the Creative Arts Center to offer training to young people.

Over the years, TBT has faced its difficulties to exist as a nonprofit professional theater. In 1993, facing debts of over $16,000, a building in need of major repairs and very limited financial backing, the TBT Board struggled with the decision of whether to close the theater. Because of the commitment of volunteer board members throughout their history — and sound and supervised fiscal management — TBT has overcome those challenges. In 2011, their mortgage was paid off in full, and generous gifts and donations have allowed the theater to continue to update the building and provide high-quality theater and performing arts opportunities to the community.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.