When announced budget cuts in the Village of Loudonville hit earlier this year due to the pending departure of Merillat Industries, nightly movie shows at the Ohio Theatre were included among the cuts to the Recreation Department.

Three young women from the freshman class of Loudonville High School, Katherine Lunt, Aimee Briscoe and Marissa Lunt, stepped up to the plate to lend a hand in an effort to raise money to try and keep the movies open. Thus began an exciting, fun and sometimes challenging journey to organize a community talent show benefit that is scheduled for Saturday, April 13th at 7:00 pm at the Ohio Theatre.

Thanks to talented volunteers, generous patrons and businesses, and help from the Loudonville Recreation Board and the Loudonville Theatre & Arts Committee, 18 short performances will take to the 93 year old stage for a fun event that was completely organized by the three students.

The performances vary in age and scope including vocal numbers from adult members of the Loudonville Players, to baton twirling from the LHS majorette team. A guitar rendition of the Star Spangled Banner will begin the festive evening featuring song, dance, piano and violin.

To date the girls have raised on their own nearly $2500 that will be turned over to the Loudonville Recreation Board to help keep the movies running as long as possible. Because they also wanted a permanent reminder of their efforts to help with the restoration of the Ohio Theatre, proceeds from ticket sales and donations the day of the event will be put toward needed improvements to the historical landmark according to the wishes of Katherine, Aimee and Marissa.

“We wanted to do something for the Ohio Theatre because that’s where we like to go and there’s not a lot for kids our age to do in town,” said Katherine Lunt. “We are really happy and grateful to everyone who has helped us along the way. We had no idea that it would turn out so big,” said Aimee Briscoe. Marissa Lunt added, “This is going to be a good talent show because all the acts are good and there are all ages and types of talent represented. We hope that everyone comes.”

Tickets are $3.00 each and can be purchased at the following locations: Loudonville High School, Hunter’s Music and RadioShack Dealer, Video Plus, Buzzard’s Family Shoe Store, Rachelle's Reflections, Rhoads Jeweler and the Ohio Theatre. Donations can be mailed in care of LTAC, P.O. Box 241, Loudonville, Ohio 44842. For more information contact Loudonville Recreation Director, Judy Webster (419) 994-1044; LTAC Chairperson, Kerry MacQueen (419) 994-0777; or LTAC Publicity Coordinator, Suzanne Ferencak (419) 994-0610.