The Grand Cinema's Oscar Party festivities begin at 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 27 - one hour before the televised red carpet coverage. Some among us will ogle the brands and fabrics enveloping the VIPs entering the Kodak Theatre. Others may want to satisfy an intellectual curiosity and compare favorite screen icons with their "real" personas.

The spacious Rialto has hosted the event in past years, but The Grand has strategically chosen a new venue: Broadway Center's Theatre on the Square. "We liked the smaller atmosphere," notes Director of Community Development Rachel Marecle. Of course, fewer seats also gives people greater incentive to purchase tickets early.

"We're looking to ... make this just a really fancy party, the (Oscar) party to be at ... something people are buying a month in advance because it's hard to get tickets," Marecle adds.

Now in her fourth year as this gala's head coordinator, Marecle - with the help of close to 20 volunteers - has no doubt prepared an enjoyable evening. Let's fade in on your arrival: Read the full story here.

2011 Academy Awards Party

Sunday, Feb. 27, 4 p.m. doors, 4:30 p.m. Red Carpet coverage
$20 general admission, $15 Grand members
Theatre on the Square, 915 Broadway, Tacoma
See grandcinema.com for party highlights