HOULTON, Maine — Just like a scene out of one of his favorite movies, Temple Cinema owner Charlie Fortier got his wish for a Christmas in July moment.
“I feel like George Bailey at the end of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ … if he smelled of popcorn,” Fortier said.
On Saturday, the movie theater opened for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to movie distributions nationwide. But it was not movies people were clamoring for, it was something far more tasty — popcorn.
People wait their turn in line to purchase popcorn at the Temple Cinema Saturday evening. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Fortier said he was not sure people would actually turn out to buy popcorn, which he sold in four-gallon, sealed bags for $10 each. Candy and drinks were also available.
He had his answer pretty quickly as people lined up along the sidewalk, spacing out for social distancing, right before he opened at 5 p.m. Masks were required for any individuals entering the theater.
“It was a fantastic turnout,” Fortier said. “We are beyond thrilled. It was a relief that folks acted so responsibly and masked up and distanced themselves without lines on the sidewalk. We are so grateful for everyone that came.”
Fortier said he popped about 50 pounds of popcorn and went through three gallons of butter.
“I don’t know the total number [sold] as it got hectic, but we started with about 130 bags and we ran out and had to use bigger ones,” Fortier said. “I don’t know if I’m an idiot for not doing it sooner or if I picked the right moment [to open].”
The movie industry has been one of the hardest hit groups by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Temple Cinema is no exception. With few new movies being distributed, and no way to safely accommodate gatherings of people, the independent theater had no choice but to close its doors.
Theaters were allowed to reopen on July 1 in Maine, but with no new movies released by Hollywood, Fortier decided not to open to show vintage movies, which historically drew a low turnout.
To further promote the downtown, Bastion Tavern posted on its Facebook page Saturday that any adults who came into the Tavern with a bag of popcorn from the Temple would be given a free beer.
Lori Lenentine of Hodgdon was one of the many people who turned out to purchase popcorn Saturday. Lenentine said she wanted to support the local business during this difficult time.
“When I saw their Facebook post I thought it was a great idea and I like to support our local businesses, especially when they are having special events like this,” she said.
Lenentine added the timing of the event was perfect for her as she was hosting a “girls movie night” and needed the tasty treat. “Microwave popcorn just can’t compare to real movie theater popcorn,” she said.
Pamela White of Houlton added, “Our family enjoys going to the movies and especially loves the popcorn. When we heard they were going to sell popcorn I put it on my calendar so we wouldn’t miss it. We would love to be able to go to the movies, but until then it’s great to munch on their delicious popcorn.”
Because of the overwhelming success, Fortier said he plans to have another sale Saturday, July 18, again from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Braden Theatre in Presque Isle has also been selling popcorn on the weekends since early May.
