The Midland Cultural Centre is back in business.

After being closed for more than 1 ½ years due to the pandemic, the Midland entertainment facility is again ready for the spotlight.

“On behalf of the MCC staff, ambassadors and board – we are all very excited and overjoyed to be welcoming visitors and audiences back in the Midland Cultural Centre,” MCC executive director Dan Broome told MidlandToday.

“The past 19 months have been difficult on all of us – individually, as families and as a community.”

Broome pointed out COVID-19 protocols have been put in place to ensure public safety.

“We will safely reengage our amazing community, welcoming those with proof of double vaccination into the facility for socially distanced, masked visits, all as required under and in accordance with current Ontario COVID-19 reopening guidelines.”

To show their appreciation to the community “who have been so patient in their wait for our return, the MCC will be opening with some free programming including its new the new Gallery of Indigenous Art showcasing the inaugural exhibition: “Andy Trudeau 1924  – 2013, The Drawings.”

Visitors will also have the opportunity to view an accompanying short-film (The Drawings of Andrew Trudeau) on the big screen in Rotary Hall that was created by his grandson Scott Parent.

And in the first week of reopening, they’re also bringing back a crowd favourite – Midland Jams-Plugged-In Open Mics – featuring the house band – The Renaissance Band, accompanying local talent.

For ticketed events, the MCC plans to work within its limited capacity mandate to honour as many shows as it can that were booked prior to and over the course of the pandemic and had to be postponed.

“While we will be limited as to the number of people we can bring in and patrons will be required to be fully vaccinated as per current COVID-19 public health and safety protocols, we look forward to providing a space and opportunities for our friends and neighbours to reconnect safely with art, culture, live music and each other,” Broome said.

Tickets are now on sale for 100 Years From Now- An Original Folk Musical, which takes place in Rotary Hall on November 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Based on the inspiring true story of Mae Belle Sampson, one of the first women to enlist in the Canadian Army Medical Corp. 100 Years From Now tells the story of Canada’s coming of age in the Great War. Combining an original folk music score with dramatic storytelling and stunning archival imagery, the show is a musical journey from Georgian Bay to Vimy Ridge and beyond.

In terms of new bookings, staff are currently booking new shows, arts and cultural experiences for 2022 – with more information provided at a later date.

Added Broome: “There will be challenges in effectively managing people’s safety and facilitating fast and efficient entry into the building and we appreciate our guests’ continued patience and support as we undertake and adapt to our new set of evolving operating conditions.

“When our doors open, we will move forward – onwards and upwards – thankful for our visitors’ safe return after 19 months.”

The MCC is also open for rentals, weddings, showers, celebrations of life, Christmas parties, corporate functions and board meetings. For more information, click here.