- December 20, 2024
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Performers will soon grace the stage at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center once again.
The PAC’s box office reopened on Tuesday, Nov. 5, selling tickets for the first performance at the theater since a fire led to its closure in March. The Children’s Musical Theater Workshop, which is celebrating its 43rd year, will present four performances of “Disney’s Finding Nemo, Kids” and “The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition” from Dec. 6-8.
In February, the theater reopened following $1.7 million renovation that took place over 18 months. Less than a month later, a small fire broke out in the theater, and the majority of the damage was caused by the theater’s sprinkler system.
“We really just are excited to be open and have everyone able to be in our theater, enjoying theater, and just enjoying the arts in general as a whole,” Performing Arts Center Coordinator Austin Branning said.
Branning came onboard at the PAC after the retirement of the former coordinator, Marc Schwartz, in June. His job interview took place a week after the fire.
“And now, after months of effort and work by our staff members, building maintenance, construction and all that, we finally have come to a point where we are able to be open, especially for our box office again,” Branning said. “We already have plenty of shows that you could buy tickets for available on our website.”
Lucy Jackman, president of the Friends of the performing Arts Center, said she’s excited for the PAC to be open — and for the addition of Branning to the PAC team.
“His energy is amazing,” Jackman said. “... He has accomplished and completed more in the few months he’s been here than we ever thought he could.”
The PAC has been for almost two years in total, three if one counts closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jackman said.
December’s lineup is full of local companies, such as CMT and Halifax Repertory Theatre, which is presenting “HRT’s Jingles & Jammies” on Dec. 20 and 21.
Branning, who comes from a theater background, said he focuses on community, quality and diversity when bringing in shows.
“We’re really proud of our plans for reopening,” he said.
Jackman said they are all looking forward to seeing the PAC be utilized once again.
“The place looks great, just like it did at the first remodel BF — before fire,” Jackman said.
Visit https://www.ormondbeach.org/267/Performing-Arts-Center.
The 15th annual Riverfest Seafood Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16 and 17, at Rockefeller Gardens.
The free festival, which is put on every year by Ormond MainStreet, will feature seafood vendors, family activities, local artisans and live entertainment. Among the childrens’ activities are bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides, balloon art, face painting and crafts hosted by local organizations.
“Riverfest is more than just a food festival — it’s a community celebration right on the riverfront,” an Ormond MainStreet press release stated.
Free parking available at city-owned lots, as well as two remote parking lots provided by Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church, which will provide free shuttle service to the festival.
A free water taxi leaving from the docks at Cassen Park will also be available.
The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17.
Small businesses in Volusia County that sustained physical damages or economic losses due to Hurricane Milton can apply for a $5,000 Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
The grant funds can be used for needs such as rent, utilities, payroll, inventory and equipment, according to a Volusia County news release.
To qualify for a grant, businesses must:
Operate as a business or a chamber of commerce with 1-25 employees.
Possess an Employer Identification Number.
Not have received a grant from the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program in 2024.
Maintain a business bank account capable of accepting automated clearing house payments.
Nonprofit organizations are not eligible for the grant. Interested businesses must complete and submit an online application for the grant program by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17. Visit uschamberfoundation.org.
The Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will host the ninth annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14.
The ceremony will honor 250 veterans with balsam wreaths at Hillside Cemetery, located at 143 Seton Trail in Ormond Beach. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m.
To sponsor a wreath, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/FL0645.
