Flood Devastation Leaves Minnesota’s Historic Comet Theater Under 5 Feet Of Water!
Major flood devastation at Comet Theater! Help restore this historic gem in Cook, Minnesota, after devastating floods! 🌊 #News #MinnesotaStrong #HistoricLandmark
Historic Theater Hit Hard: Needs Help!
COOK, MN – The small town of Cook, Minnesota, was hit hard by flooding on June 19, 2024. The Little Fork River overflowed, causing widespread damage. One of the most affected buildings was the Comet Theater. With over five feet of water inside, the theater faces a daunting task to rebuild.
A Plea for Help
The Comet Theater has been a beloved landmark in Cook since 1939. As the longest continuously running movie theater in Minnesota, it holds a special place in the hearts of residents. Unfortunately, the recent floodwaters have caused severe damage, necessitating a complete renovation.
Ryan and Steph Horner, who purchased the theater in 2023, have been working tirelessly to revitalize it. They moved to Cook full-time in 2017, bringing their passion for wildlife and coffee.
RELATED: Minnesota Road Trip Ideas: These Are The 11 Best Road Trips And Itineraries
Their experience in business and wildlife management has been instrumental in their efforts to breathe new life into the theater and its adjoining boutique.
A Community Effort
Angela Page, a volunteer at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary and a board member of the American Bear Association, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Ryan and Steph restore the Comet Theater.
RELATED: Minnesota 101: These Are Incredible Facts And Stats About The Land Of 10,000 Lakes!
She highlights the unexpected nature of the flood and the lack of flood insurance in the area, which has left many businesses, including the theater, in a precarious situation.
The Heart of Cook
Cook, a small town of 600 people, is located 30 miles north of Virginia on Highway 53. It borders the scenic Lake Vermilion and serves as a gateway to Voyager National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).
The Comet Theater isn’t just a place to watch movies. It’s a community hub. It offers great coffee, ice cream, and a unique shopping experience at the Comet Clothing Boutique & Gift Shop.
Locals and visitors alike enjoy the cozy atmosphere and the carefully curated selection of seasonal fashion, gifts, and gourmet foods.
An Urgent Call to Action
The Horners need your help. The flooding has caused extensive damage, and the costs of repairs and restoration are overwhelming. The theater is in the middle of its busiest season, a crucial time for generating revenue to sustain it through the year. Volunteers have already saved much of the merchandise, but the building itself needs significant work.
RELATED: These are the Most Haunted Theaters in Minnesota
Funds raised will go towards cleaning supplies, building repairs, equipment restoration, and covering bills during this critical period. The local community has rallied to provide monetary donations, cleaning supplies, and other essentials. Every bit helps as the Horners work to bring this historic gem back to life.
How You Can Help
If you’d like to support the Comet Theater, you can donate to the GoFundMe campaign here or drop off supplies at the Vince Shute Visitors Center in Orr. Learn more on the Comet Theater’s Facebook page here. Your generosity will make a difference in preserving a piece of Minnesota’s history and supporting a beloved community space.
RELATED: Finding Strength And Comfort: Bible Verses Of Hope In Hard Times
My hubby Jack played at the Comet Theater years ago with his bluegrass band, and it holds a special place in our hearts.
Please consider contributing to this cause and help Ryan and Steph Horner rebuild the Comet Theater. Your support is crucial in ensuring this historic theater continues to be a cherished part of Cook for years to come!
RELATED: Exploring Ely, Minnesota: Unleash Your Wild Side In Nature’s Playground
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
