Arcada Theatre’s 100th Anniversary Celebration

A distinct Labor Day weekend celebration took place in St. Charles on Sunday, marking the 100th anniversary of the Arcada Theatre. This historic event featured a downtown parade and special appearances by Chubby Checker and Priscilla Presley.

The Arcada Theatre opened its doors on September 6, 1926, and has been a venue for silent films, vaudeville performances, and major national shows. This anniversary event added another memorable chapter to its legacy.

The day began with a meet-and-greet at 1 p.m. in the theater’s Studio 64, where attendees could interact with Priscilla Presley. Following this, the Arcada Centennial Parade kicked off at Sixth Street on the west side of the Fox River, proceeding east to the theater’s location on East Main Street.

At 6 p.m., the History of Rock ’n Roll Concert took place inside the theater. Musicians from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s performed, celebrating decades of rock history. During the event, Arcada President and CEO Ron Onesti presented “Arcada Theatre Legacy Awards” to bands with significant histories at the venue.

Onesti expressed that the celebration had been in planning for a year and aimed to honor the theater’s history with a rock-n-roll and pop culture vibe. The day included more than a parade, featuring a street dance format intended to engage participants actively.

Chubby Checker was a key figure in the celebration. Onesti, who met Checker years ago, had an idea to surpass the Guinness World Record for the largest ‘Twist’ dance, needing to gather over 3,000 participants. Cheryl Szaravajka from Vernon Hills was among those ready to join in the record-breaking attempt. She noted the universal appeal of ‘The Twist’ and how it transcends generations.

Ron Onesti photographed Chubby Checker performing “The Twist” in front of the theater, contributing to the effort to break the record set for the largest street dance ever.

Laurie Milbourn, a lifetime St. Charles resident, emphasized the Arcada Theatre’s cultural significance to the community, describing it as the heart of the area.

Checker, aged 84, and Presley, aged 81, both highlighted the importance of venues like the Arcada. Checker spoke about its rich history and potential future. Presley emphasized the cultural value of theaters, advocating for more events that bring people together.

David Sharos, a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News, provided coverage for this landmark celebration.