As you know, this project has been going on for a considerable amount of time and a considerable amount of work has gone in to making this day a reality. The project was actually conceived back in 2000 by Arnie Akers and McKinley Dailey. In late 2004, Arnie and McKinley approached Judge Wilson about the project and the three of them formed the non-profit corporation known as The Lancaster Grand Theater, Inc in the spring of 2005. The initial board of directors, McKinley, President, Wilson, Vice President and Arnie as Treasurer, began acquiring property in April of 2005 and began demolition that year to help clear the blighted area. In conjunction with the Bluegrass ADD, they applied for several grants to begin the restoration of this important downtown landmark and was awarded a $500,000 CDBG grant in 2007.
 
    Since 2007 they have worked with so many, including Rep. Napier, Sen. Buford, the Department for Local Government, Bluegrass Area Development District, the Governor's Office, Farmers Bank, Whitaker Bank, Central Kentucky Federal Savings Bank and First Southern National Bank, the Garrard Fiscal Court, the Grand Theater Board of Directors (which has grown!), Nathan Mick, Global Investment and many others to raise the necessary money to begin this first phase of work. With the announcement by Governor Beshear of another $500,000 grant and the participation of ALL of our local banks, the dream will become a reality.
 
    Please come and help us break ground on what will be the cornerstone of our downtown development and revitalization plans for the City of Lancaster. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 am and conclude at one of Lancaster's newest restaurants, Antonio's Pizza and Spaghetti House directly across from the Theater for some light hors d'oeuvres and fellowship.
 
    Feel free to invite anyone you think will be interested in this important step forward for Lancaster and Garrard County.