Time is running out to purchase your tickets for Ritz Theatre’s 80 for 80 Celebration

Tickets for the Historic Ritz Theatre’s planned 80th anniversary celebration are still available.

The celebration will be an evening of entertainment and culminates with a screening of The Wizard of Oz, which was released the same year the Ritz Theatre opened its doors back in 1939.

According to Friends of the Ritz, Inc. President Keith Kozicki, the 80th anniversary party for the Historic Ritz Theatre is being coupled with Friends of the Ritz’s 80 for 80 celebration.

The 80 for 80 Celebration is the first official fundraiser for the Friends of the Ritz, which recently received its tax-exempt status from the IRS.  Their goal is to have a minimum of 80 donors who contribute $80 each towards the event.

He adds that all 80 for 80 donors will receive a number of perks including a VIP reception in the Green Room prior to the event, a ticket to the celebration, a Friends of the Ritz, Inc. membership and much more.

Kozicki said you can support the Ritz in a number of ways, either by becoming a member of Friends of the Ritz or by simply making a donation.

All donations, Kozicki reminds, are now tax-deductible.

Events kick off at 6:00 p.m. on November 22, with a live performance of your favorite Wizard of Oz songs by Toccoa singing duo The Burtch’z, followed by a celebration of the Historic Ritz Theatre, complete with birthday cake.

Then, UGA Film Studies professor Richard Neupert will explain why The Wizard of Oz is considered one of the most important films in the history of cinema, followed by the screening of the movie at 7 p.m.

There will also be tours of the Ritz now that all of the renovations have been completed.

Kozicki says if you get hungry while celebrating, Mike’s On The Go food truck will be on hand serving a variety of delicious items.

General admission tickets for the 80th anniversary celebration are currently available online at www.ritztheatretoccoa.com or in person at the Toccoa Welcome Center. Tickets for adults are $10 and $8 for children 12 and under.