SILVER CITY – On a recent Thursday afternoon, popcorn burst from the kettle of the Silco Theatre s popcorn maker as Joe Navan, the proprietor, put on his apron for a shift behind the concessions counter.
It s been more than a year since the Silco, which first opened in 1923 (late in the silent film era), has screened a film in person, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic which arrived in New Mexico last March.
But as movie nights moved to people s living rooms via streaming services, Navan has continued to sell popcorn, nachos, hot dogs and candy.
Public health restrictions aiming to curb community spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus hit businesses hard statewide across all sectors, and downtown Silver City s restaurants, galleries and attractions certainly felt the hit. Some closed temporarily or permanently, and others have made it through.