By TIM FLANAGAN

Correspondent

AHOSKIE – Imagine a cool fall night in mid September, you are standing in the middle of Main Street in Ahoskie. Looking up you catch a glimpse of the stars between the quickly moving clouds.

The threat of rain isn’t imminent, but teasing a possible appearance. A sudden stiff wind picks up and as if in unison the people gathered this fine night all shudder, or cross their arms in front of them, as if that really helps.

Looking around at the crowd that surrounds you, there are many familiar faces and many more you have never seen before. Folks of all ages, from the infant being held by its mother to the elderly clinging to their shawls for warmth, all present seem to be excited and anticipatory. As well they should.

This a very important night for Ahoskie, HertfordCounty and anywhere and anyone who loves the theatre! Make this night your night.

Come out at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 18 to the Gallery Theatre. Wear your jeans and a sweatshirt. Stand in the middle of Main Street along with a ton of other people. Watch and cheer as the Gallery Theatre in pre-celebration of its 50th Anniversary Gala on the Sept 19, lights up the Ahoskie sky and Main Street with its brand new Marquee. Be prepared to go back in time to a different Ahoskie than the one we know now, one fashioned after the heyday the Gallery Theatre shared all across America when Vaudeville was at its finest. This beautifully designed and soon to be brilliantly lit Marquee is a statement from the Gallery, and all of Hertford County that our little corner of the world has it going on!

Remember you want to be one of the people driving by the lit theatre for months, years and hopefully decades to come and say to yourself, I was there! As the lights brighten the night sky and casts a wonderful new glow to Main Street, think of the possibilities.

A big thank you to Jernigan Oil and Propane, the Town of Ahoskie and the Tourism Development Authority for helping make this possible in so many different ways!

What better way to start an entire weekend of the Gallery’s 50th celebration.

The Gallery is a rare treasure right here in your backyard, one that has helped, guided and nurtured the entire community for 50 years. That needs to be rewarded by embracing the theatre and what it represents to your own humanity. All the drama, comedy and heartache you have ever had in your life is emotionally released through the theatre and the many stories it bring to life for us to see. Knowing of its existence but doing nothing more than acknowledging, is taking something to be loved for granted. It will not always be there if you do not help.

By donating $50 per person to the theatre, in return you will be cordially invited to the theatre’s 50th Anniversary Gala on September 19. Receive your own personalized invitation by mail. This semi formal event is like a grand night at the Tony’s, but here in Ahoskie and the good old Gallery Theatre. Enjoy live Jazz music, a silent auction and snack on h’ordeuvers. Peruse an incredible memorabilia display at the Hertford County Arts Council Building across the street. Meet previous and current performers of the theatre who have many a story to tell if you care to listen. Sip on champagne and wine while being entertained with an hour long musical tribute to the Gallery’s past with such favorites as Luck be a Lady, Oklahoma, Don’t Stop Believing and a Hair Spray Medley. Dancers and theatre performers come together to dazzle you while they take you back to the past and on to the future!

The theatre needs you to donate. The theatre needs you to come celebrate. The theatre needs your cheers and laughter. This is an event 50 years in the making! Do you really want to miss it?

For your invitations call the Gallery Theatre at (252) 332-2976.