StettlerLocal.com July 1, 2023 at 9:50 am
Evening Highlights:
Carson Ellis presented with award for Our Town Stettler
Rough cut of Jewel-produced film
Swag bag for each guest
Calgary film crew recorded events for CBC documentary
The Jewel Theatre was honoured at a gala event last night to celebrate its 70th birthday.
Party-goers raised a glass of bubbly to toast the Jewel's longevity and place in the community.
"To our grand old dame, the Jewel Theatre," said emcee Tana Nixon. "You're lookin' good, girlfriend."
The gala evening, hosted by Rairdan Services, Inc., owner of the Jewel, was a Hollywood-style party, with palm trees, glittering decor, and hors d'oeuvres.
Photographer Lyndon Sawatzky photographed party-goers on the red carpet walk.
A rough cut of the film produced by Jewel staff was also shown, which features interviews with Stettlerites and their memories of the Jewel, along with the movies that made an impression, including Jaws (1975), The Ring (2002), and Star Wars (1977).
One of the many highlights of the evening was the award presented to local historian, Carson Ellis, for publishing Our Town Stettler and his work curating local history.
Ellis attended the evening on behalf of the Stettler Independent, and he seemed genuinely surprised and moved by the award.
Reeve Larry Clarke of the County of Stettler, who presented the plaque, talked about the important role of historians. "The gifts they give us are priceless," said Clarke.
Free popcorn and pop were served during the feature film, Calamity Jane (1953), which was the first movie ever to be shown at the Jewel.
Back Road Productions, the film crew working on the documentary, Magic Hours, had arrived at the theatre earlier in the day to record interviews, and staff as they prepared for the evening.
Guests were given swag bags at the conclusion of the film, which included items from Warner Bros. and Sony Entertainment, the Jewel's signature glasses, memorabilia, and summer movie passes.
