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The Walton Theater Selma held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday morning.

Current and former city and county officials attended the event.

Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson, Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn and Dallas County Commissioner Jan Justice, current Selma City Councilwoman Jannie Thomas and former Selma City Councilwomen Susan Youngblood and Angela Benjamin were among those came out to support Gospel Tabernacle Pastor John E. Grayson, who’s leasing the property.

Grayson, who stood alongside wife C.C. Grayson, said he’s grateful for the support of local officials and the community. The theatre reopened during the last week of July.

“We’re excited to see the number of people who came out for the reopening,” Grayson said. “It’s a delight to open the doors again. We’ve struggled for the last two years because of COVID.”

Nunn, a former City of Selma attorney, said he’s glad to see the theatre open.

“I’m excited not only for the city of Selma, but Dallas County as well,” Nunn said. “It gives us another avenue  for recreation.”

Jackson said the reopening prevents local residents from watching movies out of town.

“It’s great that Selma has its own movie theatre and we don’t have to drive 45 minutes to see a movie,” Jackson said.

The Walton Theatre opened in 2010 when George Evans was Selma’s Mayor.

“It means a lot to see the Walton Theatre reopen again especially with COVID being out there,” Evans said. “With the help of the City Council, were able to open the Walton Theatre.”