The Randy Parton Theater seems to be fizzling, if the reports on low attendance after its initial opening are accurate. (Apparently, exact records aren’t being kept or aren’t being released.)
That reminds me of a similar venture, Auto World. It was a theme park located in Flint, Michigan. I recall then-senator Don Riegle crowing about how federal block grants were being used to such wonderful effect, revitalizing a city that was decaying.
Flint is still decaying, but Auto World died within two years. Here is a site with comments by some people who remember the boondoggle.
The lesson of government-funded entertainment (and indeed, government-funded almost everything) is that it’s very likely to be a waste since the planners have none of their own money at risk. There’s nothing like the prospect of losing your own money that makes a person think twice about proceeding with big ideas.
