Over the top. That’s the only way to describe the Academy Awards party scheduled this Sunday, March 7, at Redding’s Cascade Theatre.
We’re talking limousines and red carpet, outlandish outfits, flowing champagne, a big-screen simulcast and awards for just about anything. As event co-host Valerie Ing-Miller says, it’s a chance to “release your inner starlet.” Or star, I suppose.
Linda Bott of Free Fire Radio originally dreamed up the idea for an Oscar Party. Bott and Ing-Miller pulled it together a few years ago at the Cascade, and it was a big hit. But it was also a lot of work, and the duo simply hasn’t had the time to do things up right since then. Sunday’s event has a full year’s worth of planning behind it.
The evening is built around a live showing of the Academy Awards ceremony on the Cascade’s very big screen. That’s only the foundation, though.
The red carpet will be rolled out in front of the Cascade on Sunday, and Enjoy Magazine’s James Mazzotta will be there with a camera and microphone to interview people as they make their way into the theater. People already inside will be able to watch red-carpet strolls at both the Academy Awards and in front of the Cascade with, Ing-Miller promises, plenty of colorful commentary.
During commercial breaks in the Academy Awards show, Ing-Miller and Bott will hand out local awards and prizes.
“I encourage people to make the most of it,” Ing-Miller says. “Dress up and be silly. We’re planning to hand out the award for Best Costume Design, perhaps Best Actor and Best Actress, but which awards we give out and how many will totally depend on how creative the attendees are.”
Also on Sunday’s bill are a sneak peek at the Sundial Film Festival and a preview of the Dance Project’s spring show, “Steppin’ Out.” (The film festival and “Steppin’ Out” have runs scheduled at the Cascade later this month.) There will also be an Oscar prediction contest with even more prizes.
Of course, black tie or evening gown are truly optional. You may go dressed in your everyday Redding wear and simply people-gawk. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the Academy Awards show starts at 5 p.m. Tickets are $12 and available in advance at the Cascade office, online at www.cascadetheatre.org or at the door.
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• A free workshop and exposition for small business owners is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. next Tuesday, March 9, at the Holiday Inn and convention center, 1900 Hilltop Drive, in Redding. Hosted by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Shasta College and College of the Siskiyous, the event will feature experts covering topics such as doing business with the state and federal governments, e-commerce, low-cost marketing, Shasta Enterprise Zone tax credits, and the 15-second sales pitch. Although there is no cost to attend, pre-registration is required. For more information, call the SBDC at 225-2770 or visit the website, www.sbdcsc.org.
• Current or would-be business owners who don’t get enough at the SBDC event may head over to Shasta Lake for Superior California Economic Development’s program on starting and growing a small business. Topics on the agenda include entrepreneurship, planning, marketing and the all-important small business loan. Again, the event is free but you need to sign up in advance. Phone the SCED at 225-2760 or visit www.scedd.org.
• No everyday occurrence: While pedaling along the Sacramento River Trail bike path late Tuesday afternoon, I saw a bald eagle, an osprey and a great egret standing not more than 30 feet apart on rocks in the middle of the river. I assume the birds were fishing. The only move that any of them made was when the osprey flew off after a few minutes. Oh, for a camera!
Paul Shigley is editor of California Planning & Development Report, a frequent contributor to Planning magazine and co-author of Guide to California Planning, a reference book and college text. He lives in Centerville. Paul Shigley can be reached at pauls.anewscafe@gmail.com.
