Strand gala volunteers, Doc and Judy Foley, David Ehrensbeck, Laurie Barkauskas, Martha Denio, and Mike Farmer. Photo by Dawn Montanye
A gala fundraiser sponsored by CAP-21 and the Central Adirondack Association (CAA) and organized by a group of local citizens will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Strand Theatre and support its continuation.
The anniversary gala is planned for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 25 on the Forge Knoll in Old Forge.
David Ehrensbeck and Martha Denio dress in the vintage attire they plan to wear on the day of the Strand Theatre Gala celebration. Photo by Dawn Montanye
Held under the big tent, the evening celebration will feature cocktails, food from area restaurants and live entertainment by Al Nathan and Joe Bolton, said Doc Foley, co-organizer of the event.
There will also be a silent and live auction of items donated by local artisans and businesses.
Among the items collected to date are a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture built by Jim Kiefer of Shelter, a hand-crafted pack basket, a framed photograph of a wood duck by Sue Kiesel, and a quilt by the Pointed Pine Quilters.
The photograph and quilt are currently on display at the Strand.
In keeping with the movie theme of the celebration, gala attendees will have the opportunity to have a commemorative photo of themselves taken next to a Jaguar convertible once owned by Cary Grant, that will be on-site throughout the event.
The vehicle is part of the car collection of Alan Rosenblum, of New Hartford and Old Forge, who has graciously donated its use as a prop, said Foley.
Folks are encouraged to come dressed in Roaring 20’s attire or as their favorite film star.
For those who do not come dressed according to theme, a variety of 1920’s era props will be available for use in photos.
Following the cocktail party, there will be a video presentation at the Strand’s main theater highlighting its 90-year history. According to Foley, the video was generously produced and donated by Kurt Gardner of Adirondack Mountain Productions.
A champagne toast will follow the presentation.
Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer, a member of the organizational committee, said the group feels good about raising funds to help the Strand keep its doors open.
“We want to do this because not only have Bob and Helen put everything into that building and into that theater, but they have reached out and accommodated so many groups including the ballet, the fire department and the community theater. Anyone who wants to do anything in that building, they open their doors and host those events,” he said.
Their goal is to raise $150,000 through the gala and in combination with a variety of other community fundraising efforts—half of what is needed for the conversion.
Tickets for the entire event are $50 per person and can be purchased at the Old Forge Information Center, by calling CAP 21 at 369-3353 or online at www.cap-21.org.
Additional donations from local area businesses for the silent and live auctions are welcomed and can be dropped off at CAP-21’s offices. Volunteers are needed and can sign up by calling Laurie Barkauskas at 369-6983 extension 23.
