Polk County Fine Arts Jazz Fest

Thonotassassa Christmas House Party

Robert Volpe & Lindsay Tannahill Wedding Reception
October 1, 2011

Twilight at the Ritz
Winter Haven, FL
October 29, 2011

SCOTT GIROUARD | THE LEDGER

Party goers dressed up in their Halloween finery for twilight at the Ritz on Central, the first event held in the newly restored 1920's theatre in Downtown Winter Haven.

Ritz Theatre Ready to Open, With All Its Former Glory

Grand reopening of restored Winter Haven theater is Oct. 28.

By DONNA KELLY
NEWS CHIEF

Published: Friday, October 14, 2011 at 11:41 p.m.

WINTER HAVEN | When the newly renovated Ritz Theatre makes its community debut this month, costumes will be worn by patrons attending a party instead of actors performing on stage.

Twilight at The Ritz, a spooky but glamorous affair, will be held 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at the theater, 263 W. Central Ave.

With a nod to the vaudeville entertainers who once graced its stage and in honor of the Halloween season, patrons are asked to wear costumes, although they are not required.  Stella Heath, executive director of The Ritz Theatre, describes the 6 p.m. pre-celebration as the theater's christening, during which sponsors and invited guests will be offered hors d'oeuvres and receive a goody bag.  "It's (the community's) first event in the restored theater and we will christen it with Champagne," Heath said.

The gala begins at 7 p.m. and features dinner by Outback Steakhouse, dancing to live music by The Brass Heart Band, costume and dancing contests, games, and a fortune teller.  Live and silent auctions will also be held. Items include Legoland tickets, gift certificates for local restaurants, spa products, airplane ride, Theatre Winter Haven Tickets, and purses.

According to Daphne Garrison, a member of the event committee, auction items are still being accepted.  Garrison said Twilight at The Ritz is a chance for folks to see their hometown theater come back to life.  "Folks have all these fabulous memories of The Ritz and this will be her grand return to being the centerpiece of downtown," she said. "By attending this event, you can be a part of it."  Board member Amy Sumerlin, co-chairwoman of the event, promises the theater will be dressed up for the occasion.

    

      


      


      


      

      

      

    

      

      

      

    

Carols in the Park

Winter Haven, FL - December 3, 2011

Paul Crate / News Chief

Winter Haven Mayor J.P. Powell orders the lighting of the Christmas Tree during the tree lighting in downtown Winter Haven on Saturday night. Saturday December 03, 2011.

Paul Crate / News Chief

Eric Miner and his daughter Sydney, 11, dance to the music of the Brass Heart Band during the tree lighting in downtown Winter Haven on Saturday night. Saturday December 03, 2011.

Paul Crate / News Chief

Brent Booher with the Brass Heart Band plays the "Electric Slide" to children during the tree lighting in downtown Winter Haven on Saturday night. Saturday December 03, 2011.

Paul Crate / News Chief

Greg Tait sings Christmas carols to his two-year-old daughter Kara during the tree lighting in downtown Winter Haven on Saturday night. Saturday December 03, 2011.