The Capitol Theatre had its best year to date when it came to attendance, shows, and events.
Chatham-Kent Project Manager of Theatres Devon Hansen told CK Mornings with Chris and Allanah on CKSY that 55,000 people attended 153 shows and events from September to April, the highest number of shows ever.
Hansen said the 10 shows put on solely by the Capitol Theatre, not including the venue rentals for outside shows, was responsible for 8,000 of the patrons.
Hansen noted the economic spinoff of the shows at the Capitol was $9.4 million this season, putting the myth to rest that the arts don't make money.
"That's hotels, that's restaurants, people from out of town shopping at local businesses, everything," said Hansen.
Hansen said not all who attend the shows at the Capitol are from Chatham-Kent.
"Of that 55,000, only 41 per cent are from Chatham-Kent, which is great. Then, another 10 or 12 per cent are from Southwestern Ontario, which is your Sarnia, London, Windsor. After that, it's 40 per cent of the rest of Ontario. That's the GTA, that's Kingston, that's everywhere. They're coming to Chatham to see a show," Hansen conveyed.
Hansen noted the farthest visitor for a show at the Capitol this season was from Dublin, Ireland, adding that some people came from Denver, and many visited from Michigan.
Hansen said the next season will be launched in June.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is reporting that its three museums also had a good year.
A report going to council on Monday evening showed that the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society – Black Mecca Museum, and the Wallaceburg and District Museum received a total of 22,727 visitors last year.
The report also noted they held 85 public programs and special events and conducted 88 education programs with 4,750 students in 2025.
