The Friends of the Braumart invites the community to help celebrate the historic theatre’s 100th anniversary with a Black and White Gala from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain.

“It’s such an iconic landmark in downtown Iron Mountain, we wanted to make sure we marked this important milestone,” said Seth Anderson, vice president of the Braumart board of directors. “We want everyone to be able to share this once-in-a-century moment with us.”

Doors will open at 5 p.m. in the bar area for a “mingle and jingle.”

“We will have an old Hollywood welcome with a cocktail hour that will include a few special Braumart cocktails,” said Fay Mannon-Rahoi, Gala event coordinator and former member of Braumart board.

The Friends of the Braumart will celebrate the historic theatre's 100th anniversary with a Black and White 100 Year Gala on Saturday, Sept. 13. Fay Mannon-Rahoi, Gala event coordinator and former Braumart Board member, gets the banner ready at The Chamber of Commerce in downtown Iron Mountain. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Live music will be provided by the local group Datura in the bar area.

Board members hope to gather enough “tidbits” about the Braumart to have a question-and-answer session.

“We want to get people interacting,” Mannon-Rahoi said.

“We love for people to share their stories and memories they have about The Braumart,” Anderson added.

The celebration will move to the Hearth Room at about 6 p.m. for a tour of the past and future of The Braumart.

An exhibit will be on display that will guide attendees through its history and give a glimpse at the next 100 years.

The space will be decorated to make it feel like old Hollywood, Mannon-Rahoi said.

Anderson noted they will have archive images of every era, from about 70 years as a movie theatre to the last 20 years when the Friends of the Braumart took over stewardship.

He will also give a presentation that will highlight its recent history, some of the key things they have been doing with the space and plans moving forward.

The display will include a series of phases for the renovation project.

“We really want to address the different options we can go with the renovation,” he said. “We want to encourage community involvement.”

Anderson said he feels opening the project up to the public will provide some new energy.

“People get excited when they come in and see what we have been able to preserve,” Anderson said. “When they step into the space it’s like time didn’t move — we want to keep that vibe going.”

The board wants to continue preserving its historic features while making the upgrades to meet the technical demands of a contemporary performing arts center.

“This is what needs to happen to draw those big bands or shows in,” Anderson said.

He will also explain why The Braumart is an essential to the overall quality of life in this area.

“This is a stage for local artistic talent,” Mannon-Rahoi said. “We have live events, as well as offer education components including the Missoula Theatre.”

“We see the love everyone has for the space,” she added.

A special guest will give a presentation on the history of The Braumart, which opened in April 1925, prior to a formal dinner at about 7 p.m. in the Pine Room.

“We want the community to learn about who opened it, who has taken care of it over the years and how it came to us,” he said.

There will also be a photo booth to commemorate the 100-year event.

They will conduct a raffle of several donations by generous sponsors that include Erickson Jewelers, a Door County package from a Friend of the Braumart and a guitar from Jim’s Music.

Going with the theme, they request that attendees wear black and white formal attire for the event; however, it isn’t required.

“We would like for you to be part of the journey,” Mannon-Rahoi said.

Tables, VIP seats and individual tickets are now on sale at thebraumart.org. All tickets need to be purchased in advance, as there will be assigned seating.

For more information on the Gala, contact Mannon-Rahoi at 201-723-2538 or email braumart100@gmail.com.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.