Problems with electrical wiring and sanitary sewage caused the community-owned Traer Theatre to close its doors in 2002. The closing sparked a well-organized grassroots effort to repair, restore, and reopen the theatre, located in an 1895 building in downtown Traer in Tama County. Along with hundreds of hours of volunteer labor, local businesses and residents contributed over $150,000 over a four-year period, allowing the renovated theatre to reopen to the public in August 2006.

Today, the Traer Theatre continues to show first-run movies four days each week for just $2.00 per ticket. The 144-seat, volunteer-run theatre has received additional upgrades since the initial renovation, including a state-of-the-art sound system donated by a local bank. For current showtimes, check out the theatre’s website or call the movie line at (319) 478-2094.