The Grand Cinema hosts its annual Academy Awards Party Sunday, Feb. 27 inside the Theatre on the Square in downtown Tacoma. Everything was running smoothly on the surface. Folks entered on the red carpet to discover free makeup sessions from Embellish MultiSpace Salon, a silent auction, beer, wine, Academy Awards ballot contest, a costume contest, raffle prizes - and a sold out event. Behind the scenes organizers were dealing with a failed primary over-the-air signal from Hollywood. Emcee Marty Campbell did a brilliant job entertaining the crowd - a crowd that was reduced by 90 percent once the announcement was made that the broadcast was going to be carried out on a backup Internet signal, which resembled watching video on aol in the early '90s. Those who left received their money back. Those who stayed enjoyed the show that often connected in real time, as well as a steady stream of free gifts. The night ended up being more fun than anyone who stayed imagined.
Photography by Steve Dunkelberger
