IN THE NEWS
On a warm Friday evening, August 9th, the heart of Thomasville, NC, pulsed with life, color, and music as the community came together for an unforgettable celebration—the Painted Piano Festival: Year of the Voice. This magical event brought out the best in our town, showcasing the talents, creativity, and spirit that make Thomasville truly special.
To hear Jill Simpson and Steve Teglas talk about the former Palace Theater in downtown Thomasville, you would think they have fond memories of watching movies there with friends and family.
That’s an impossibility, however, since the theater closed in 1959, before either was born.
While they don’t have that history with the theater, they certainly know the history of the building on Salem Street and share a passion to see it revitalized. As members of PACE Downtown, formerly People Achieving Community Enhancement, they are working to find the perfect partner with the vision to renovate the interior and reopen it as a theater, performance venue and event center.
In 2019, PACE Downtown purchased a 15,600 sqft building, located at 37 - 41 Salem St, that was once known as The Palace Theatre. This extensive three-year undertaking is PACE’s largest project to date.
On January 29, 2019, at the annual PACE Group of Thomasville board retreat, five members were honored with plaques for their many years of service to PACE and Thomasville.
The five members, Hazel Prevo, Pete Davis, Betty Almond, Aldeen Robbins, and Dale Everhart became the first members of the newly established PACE Board Emeritus. The new Emeritus members have a combined 104 years of service to PACE and to the ongoing mission of the revitalization of downtown Thomasville.
In late fall of 2014, the PACE (People Achieving Community Enhancement) Group embarked on their first building restoration project of 6 Main Street and 9 Salem Street. These buildings were donated by the late Bob Callicutt of Callicutt Realty, and these donations initiated the group’s Historic Downtown Building Restoration Project.
The Envision 2020 video recently released by the Thomasville Area Chamber of Commerce features many of the initiatives accomplished by PACE such as Hunter Family Amphitheatre and Cates Alley.
January 16, 2018 – PACE sells restored Thomasville buildings, Lexington Dispatch
January 11, 2018 - The PACE Group of Thomasville sells restored building in Historic Downtown Thomasville
September 17, 2015 - PACE's Farm to Table event raises over $8,500.
July 21, 2015 – PACE Farm to Table event to save Chair City's buildings, Thomasville Times
February 6, 2015 - PACE Group receives funds for restoration, Thomasville Times
February 6, 2015 - PACE receives $25,000 grant to fix buildings, Lexington Dispatch
January 5, 2015 - Callicutt donates old buildings to boost downtown Thomasville - High Point Enterprise
August 18, 2014 - Thomasville council approves alcohol sales at PACE Park, Lexington Dispatch
May 23, 2014 - Restricted alcohol use permitted at PACE Park, Thomasville Times
May 13, 2014 - Mural depicts roots of Thomasville, Thomasville Times
February 11, 2014 - Chair City Art artists collect prizes, Thomasville Times
September 13, 2013 - Art gives Thomasville fresh look, Thomasville Times
June 23, 2013 - Chair Cit Art sweeps the area, Thomasville Times
April 23, 2013 - Restored PACE murals offer new life in downtown
November 19, 2012 - PACE program enhances Main Street, Thomasville Times
Priscilla Oldaker just wanted to create a festival that would add some life to downtown Thomasville. What she’s ended up with, though, is an event that could have the locals singing and dancing in the streets for years to come.