Aspiring owners of the historic Temple Theatre in Houlton, Maine have two extra weeks to make their case. The deadline for the essay contest, sponsored by current owner Michael Hurley, which will award ownership of the theatre business and building, has been extended to Jan. 31.

The deadline has been extended due to a wave of national media coverage including CNN, the New York Times, and The Hollywood Reporter.

The Temple Theatre, with two screens and seating for 200 each, has operated nearly continuously since 1918. It was renovated in 2002, and was converted to digital projection in November 2014, with state-of-the-art projectors, servers and sound system. It shows first run films serving a variety of tastes. The building’s second floor is 6,000 square feet with multiple leased office suites.

Contestants are invited to submit their 250-word written response to the question, “Why would you be the best person (or family/group) to be the new owner of the Temple Theatre in historic Houlton, Maine?” A $100 entry fee is required. Essays will be judged on writing structure, content, quality of expression, and creativity.

Submissions should be mailed to Temple Theatre Essay Contest, PO Box 188, Belfast, ME, 04915.

In addition to the business and real estate, the winner of the contest will receive 30 days of consulting and training in theater operations. If the contest draws at least 3,500 entries, the prize also will include $25,000 cash.

The winner will receive ownership of the Temple Theatre business and building, including second-floor office space, a large owner’s apartment, and an adjacent parking lot. Complete rules for the contest and a full description of the prize and judging process are on the theater website, www.templemovies.com.

Houlton, population 6,123, is the county seat and business hub of southern Aroostook County, the largest county by area east of the Mississippi River. The theater is in the center of downtown, adjacent to a dramatic footbridge over the Meduxnekeag River.

For more information, contact Mike Hurley, 207-338-1975, or mike@pilut.com.