[Dion]

(Left to right) Rehana Kidwai, Syed Kidwai and Mayor Craig Snodgrass snip the ribbon, signifying the official reopening of the Wales Theatre. Photo by Lisa Taylor -

Syed and Rehana Kidwai, accompanied by Mayor Craig Snodgrass, cut the ribbon in front of the theatre with the sign "So it begins" shining in the background.

The glimmer of relief and happiness that shone in Syed Kidwai's eyes was undeniable as the crowd cheered and applauded in excitement.

"Please come in and let us know what you think of the place," Kidwai said after he thanked the community for their support.

And with that, the crowd headed into the newly renovated building to take in all the new sights and sounds.

After over 15 months of struggling with the Disaster Relief Funding and hoping all his inspections would pass, Kidwai says he's very happy this day has finally arrived."It feels very good, you know," he says. "Like a load off your mind." -

Standing outside, enjoying the sun and some free ice cream, Snodgrass took time out to reminisce about the High River icon.

"This is probably the most special opening I've done yet because of what it is," he says.

"This is where we all grew up as kids watching Star Wars and Grease, so this is a pretty special day.

"He says the Kidwai family has been through so much trying to get the theatre open again, and says he congratulates them on this huge success.

"This is a big day for High River to have that neon sign going again," Snodgrass says. "So it's pretty special." -

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