On the one-year anniversary of the fire that tragically severely damaged the beloved Sag Harbor Cinema, the Sag Harbor Partnership and Sag Harbor Cinema Arts Center is inviting the East End community to join them for a Holiday Party that commemorates the season and the courageous local first responders who gallantly fought the blaze, as well as their families and the future of the Cinema.
The old-fashioned Christmas party, taking place at Christ Episcopal Church in Sag Harbor on Sunday, December 16, will include cookies, carols, cider, a Santa visit and screening of It’s a Wonderful Life. The seasonal gathering will commence at 4 p.m., with the film beginning at 5 p.m.
“Like George Bailey in this beloved film, the Cinema has had many friends and a few angels, who have helped us save the day,” Nick Gazzolo, President of the Sag Harbor Partnership, reflected. “We especially want to thank the heroic firefighters who battled the blaze. This event is a celebration of that can-do spirit.”
Rev. Karen Campbell of Christ Episcopal Church is once again lending a helping hand in support of the Cinema. Earlier this year Rev. Campbell and the Church assisted with the Cinema’s A Yard Sale for the Cinema, which was held on the Church’s grounds. “It’s a Wonderful Life is my favorite movie and my favorite story. It’s a very spiritual story,” Rev. Campbell noted.
The Holiday Party’s sweets will be provided by Janet O’Brien Catering, while Boots on the Ground Theater’s Dickens Carolers, donning Victorian garb, will lead the caroling. Photographer/graphic designer (and veteran Santa) Charlie Grubb will bring the holly jolly spirit, serving as Father Christmas.
Admission to the Holiday Party is free, however, monetary donations to Christ Episcopal Church’s new Community Café are encouraged. The Café, a program for food insecurity, will offer a restaurant-style meal once a week to those who lack access to nutritious meals.
Construction began on the iconic Cinema in early June and is anticipated to be completed by summer 2019. Fundraising efforts for the Sag Harbor Cinema Art Center – in support of construction, staffing and operational costs – remain a focus for the Partnership.
Christ Episcopal Church is located 5 Hampton Street in Sag Harbor. For more information, visit www.sagharborcinema.org.