Village Theaters North in Big Bear Lake, the only theater in the San Bernardino Mountains, has closed its doors after 25 years.
The theater opened in 1999 under owner Will Viner.
Viner died in February due to complications following a surgery, according to Big Bear Chamber of Commerce officials.
“Unfortunately, the Village Theaters North did close their doors this month,” chamber office manager Patricia Gallagher said in an email Monday, Feb. 26. “The owner, Will Viner, passed away. His son did come up the mountain to assess the idea of staying open but said it is not affordable at this time for him.”
The theater’s final day was Feb. 19.
“After 25 years of movies and memories in beautiful Big Bear Lake, the Village Theaters North has closed its doors for the final time,” said a note on the .
Residents in the San Bernardino Mountains will now have to drive down the mountain, and back again, in order to catch a film on the big screen.
“The other unfortunate thing is it was our only movie theater in the Big Bear Valley,” Gallagher said.
“Our condolences to the family and they will be missed,” she added.
