Tehachapi's beloved movie theater is open again!

Provided.

More than 300 residents gathered on June 15 as the Tehachapi Hitching Post Theater celebrated its re-opening.

More than 300 residents gathered for a joyous ribbon cutting on June 15 as the Tehachapi Hitching Post Theater celebrated its re-opening. The theater was packed! Before the celebration, free popcorn, hotdogs, gifts and theater gift cards were handed out to guests from #LoveTehachapi volunteers. Classic cars were parked in front of the theater to add to the nostalgic ambiance of the day. The event sponsors, Claudia's Catering, Apogee Performance and Law Tigers made the day even more memorable. Local event planning business Enjoy the Moments helped decorate the venue for the big day, and many other businesses came together to help however they could.

Mayor Michael Davies and Mayor Pro-tem Joan Pogon Cord presented a certificate of recognition to Amber Mitchell and Lorena Semerenko and their husbands who purchased and restored the theater. The Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce presented a certificate as well as a recognition sent from Senator Shannon Grove. The new owners of the theater thanked the community for the incredible support they have received. From massive clean-up projects to businesses sponsoring areas of the theater, the community has truly come out to help bring back its beloved movie theater. A roar of applause could be heard all through town as the audience counted down and the ribbon was cut. Families cheered and pushed to see the inside of the theater.

Floor to ceiling updates have been completed throughout the theater. From fresh paint to new flooring to hall lighting to gorgeous bathrooms and beautiful murals designed by JR Long from Tehachapi Signs that encompass Tehachapi's history, every detail has been considered. Guests had time to take in the updates before settling in to view films "Inside Out 2," "If" or "Sight." Needless to say, Tehachapi is thrilled to have its theater back. Please visit thptheater.com to view the current movie schedule and follow Tehachapi Hitching Post Theater on Facebook for updates.

Clare Scotti is the Executive Director of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce.