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Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News October 10, 2005 - Masquerade event funds theater projects, downtown By Deb Cleworth Daily Tribune Staff What the Fairy Godmother did for Cinderella two community groups hope to re-create at the Centralia Center. On Saturday night, the center will become a ballroom when the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre and Downtown Revitalization Cluster groups host a Masquerade Ball. "We're transforming the River Walk area into a Central Park theme, complete with foliage, popcorn vendor and a New York hot dog vendor," said Cathy Meils, a Community Theatre board member. The ballroom will reflect a theater-district theme. "Theater people are very creative," said Diane Schroeder, a board member since 1998. "And this is just another way to get our creativity out." The event is a fundraiser for both groups. The theatre is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. "We wanted to do something really special for our 30th anniversary and thought wouldn't it be great to hold a ball," Meils said. Schroeder of Wisconsin Rapids is in charge of decorations for the ball. "We have a lot of new people involved in this, which is fun," she said. Some of the theater group members are involved with the Community Progress Initiative, the three-year effort to revitalize the south Wood County economy. The downtown cluster is part of the initiative. "(The ball) also serves to raise funds for the downtown projects that the downtown cluster would like to see realized as a way of reviving our downtown area," Meils said. "It's no secret we've been hoping for years to build our own theater in downtown Wisconsin Rapids," she said. "And that's exactly the sort of thing the downtown cluster is interested in, in helping to revive the historic center of our city." Part of the fun of the event will be dressing up. It's not a costume party, and evening or cocktail wear is suggested, according to Meils. Masks are for sale in the Community Theatre office and will be available at the door. Schroeder has lived in Wisconsin Rapids all her life and said while there are other dances and balls, she says this event is different. "This is just going to be a unique theater experience," she said. "We're going to have sideshows, too." Nancy Quick of Wisconsin Rapids plans to attend the event with three friends and is encouraging others to join in the fun. "We're still open to anyone who wants to go," Quick said. "So, anyone we talk to who says, 'There is never anything to do,' we're telling them, yes (there is)." Guests will be able to walk around the River Walk and take in the side attractions, such as a Shakespeare performance. In addition, more than 30 baskets will be auctioned and raffled off. A photographer will be there to take snapshots the guests can buy.
		Copyright © 2005, Community Progress Initiative, South Wood County & Town of Rome