Arcada Theatre turns 100 with Chubby Checker, Priscilla Presley and a giant twist

There was no quiet way to celebrate 100 years of the Arcada Theatre. The historic St. Charles landmark celebrated its centennial Sunday with a star-studded, daylong party featuring Priscilla Presley, Chubby Checker, a parade through downtown and a massive Twist dance party that had hundreds dancing in the streets. 

The timing was significant: The Arcada opened its doors on Sept. 6, 1926, as a vaudeville and movie palace and quickly became one of the Midwest's premier entertainment destinations. A century later, it remains one of the area's best-known live music venues.

The celebration kicked off with Priscilla Presley, who appeared at Studio 64 for a special "Behind the Scenes" experience. Presley shared stories from her remarkable life and career, followed by a Q&A with Arcada owner and operator Ron Onesti and opportunities for fans to meet and take photos with her. 

Then came the big street party. The Arcada Centennial Parade traveled through downtown St. Charles, featuring local bands, community organizations, vintage automobiles and national celebrities. The festivities included a recreation of the famous parade scene from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, a particularly fitting touch for a theater celebrating a century of entertainment. 

But the real star of the parade was Chubby Checker, who led the crowd in "The Twist." The legendary singer helped turn North Avenue into one giant dance floor, with hundreds of people joining in. The event was planned around an attempt to create the largest Twist dance party for the Guinness World Records. 

Checker wasn't the only rock 'n' roll legend taking part. Vinny Appice of Black Sabbath and Dio and Carmine Appice of Vanilla Fudge also joined the festivities and the evening's musical celebration. 

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The evening continued inside the Arcada with "The History of Rock 'n' Roll…The Arcada Theatre Celebrates 100 Years," featuring music and highlights spanning the past century. Presley, Checker and the Appice brothers were among the special guests. 

There were plenty of other touches honoring the Arcada's remarkable history. A special exhibit about the theater was displayed in the front windows of the St. Charles Municipal Building across the street, giving visitors a chance to explore the venue's century-long legacy. 

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The centennial also marked the continuation of the Arcada Theatre Legacy Awards, which Onesti has been presenting to musicians who have played an important role in the theater's history. The awards recognize performers and bands that have helped make the Arcada a must-play stop on national tours. 

And in a fitting bit of birthday fun, the theater announced that 3,000 golden tickets would be given away, with one lucky winner receiving a pair of Arcada tickets for life. 

The Arcada's history is as colorful as its centennial celebration. Built by Lester and Dellora Norris and designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, the theater opened to sold-out crowds in 1926 and went on to host generations of entertainers. Its roster has included such names as Judy Garland, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Olivia de Havilland and, in more recent decades, Buddy Guy, Gladys Knight, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, Loretta Lynn and many others. 

For Onesti, who has guided the Arcada's entertainment programming for more than two decades, the centennial was both a celebration of the past and a look toward the future.

"Reaching 100 years is an extraordinary achievement," Onesti said. "The Arcada Theatre has welcomed millions of guests, hosted legendary performers, and created memories that span generations." 

After 100 years, the Arcada isn't slowing down. If anything, its birthday celebration proved that this historic theater still knows how to put on one very big show. (Special thanks to Kathy Mondelli for images/info)