One team decorated the convertible of CEO Susan Carrier with lights and tinsel garland, adding signs that read “Historic Hemet Theatre – Celebrating 100 Years.”

During the parade, Susan rode a perch above the back seat of the car, waving to the crowd. Inside the car with her were 1200 boxes of Cracker Jack. Every inch of the interior was packed with trays containing the classic movie house treats.

Meanwhile, several volunteers walked beside the entry as it made its way along Florida Avenue, passing out the tasty treats to children gathered along the parade route.

But that was only half the fun! At the door of the theatre, volunteers passed out hundreds of bags of popcorn to the crowd assembled along the street. The smell of fresh theatre popcorn wafted through the air, drawing a long line across the front of the building.

Inside the theatre, visitors were welcome to tour the newly renovated lobby and to catch of few moments of “It’s a Wonderful Life” playing on the big screen in the auditorium.

The event was wonderful fun, bringing thousands of visitors to celebrate the holidays in Hemet’s Historic Downtown District. And a great way for HHT to share its 100th anniversary with the community!

Meanwhile, on Monday December 13th at 7 pm, HHT will host the Hemet Heritage Foundation’s annual Christmas Party. The free event will feature a performance by members of the Hemet Harmonizers Barbershop Quartet.

Tickets still remain for the Holiday Tribute to Linda Ronstadt on December 18th. Showtime for this special show is 7 pm. General Admission tickets are $25. And don’t forget to grab your tickets for the 100-year Anniversary Gala on Saturday January 15th, starring the one and only Rich Little. Gala tickets are $100 general admission and $200 for VIP table seating at the foot of the stage.

The next season of Tribute Mania begins in January, with tributes to The Bee Gees, Prince, Marvin Gaye, AC/DC, Mańa, The Doors, Johnny Cash and Van Halen. Tickets for Tribute Mania events are $25, general admission. Showtime is 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6:15 pm.

Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office, (951) 658-5950. You can subscribe to the HHT email blast by enrolling on the website.

Emily Rand | Contributed

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These days, Hemet is no longer a farming town, and “moving pictures” surround us every day. But 100 years later, the Historic Hemet Theatre still has a role to play, providing quality entertainment and helping to revitalize Hemet’s Historic Downtown District.

Since opening as a Foundation in 2013, over 60,000 patrons have visited HHT and over 100 different bands have performed. This year, the Historic Hemet Theatre celebrates its 100th anniversary with big plans for the future. The City of Hemet has already approved over $1M in improvements to the interior of the building.

Remodel of the lobby is nearing completion, including 3 custom wall murals by artist Dan Melendez. It is hoped that by the end of the year, funding can be found to complete the handicap accessible restrooms.

In addition to the popular “Tribute Mania” Concert Series, HHT hopes to begin showing first run movies again. In 2019, a new projection system was installed to meet current standards. This year, fundraisers are providing the money needed to install $30k worth of surround-sound speakers donated by the old Costa Mesa Mall Theater. This will allow HHT to meet qualifications for showing first-run films.

The redesigned second floor will include a Museum of Early Film, dedicated to William Martin and will feature several pieces of historic projection equipment as well as office space and meeting rooms.

The majority of the renovation funding has been provided by members of HHT’s Century Club. With a pledge of at least $500, Century Club members will have their name added to a special plaque that will become a permanent display in the lobby. Already over 60 local residents have raised $183k for the fund. Information of joining the Century Club can be found at the Box Office or online on the HHT website.

The theatre’s façade has been renovated several times through the years, but HHT will always be a landmark site as you visit downtown. Be sure to visit the HHT website (http://www.historichemettheatre.com) for a more detailed walk through the history of the theatre. And don’t forget to stop by the Box Office and check out the new lobby.

Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling (951) 658-5950. Box Office opens May 3rd, Monday thru Friday, 11am – 5pm.

Susan Carrier • HHT

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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After the show, dozens of fans stayed to take photos with the band, raving that this could be the best show ever. But then, that sentiment seems to be a regular reaction at Hemet’s popular concert venue.

This show was the band’s first appearance at HHT. As usual, they loved the crisp acoustics of the auditorium, the talented tech team that dialed in their soundcheck in record time, and most of all the enthusiastic crowd that clapped and cheered at a thunderous volume from the first song to the last.

Next up is the Tribute to REO Speedwagon on Saturday, August 3rd. Ridin’ The Strom Out will bring their hard-Rockin’ show, filled with classic hits like “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” and “Take It On The Run.”

Meanwhile, patrons holding tickets for the canceled Tribute to Tom Petty on Saturday, August 17th, need to bring their tickets to the Box Office. Tickets can be exchanged for the replacement show, a Tribute to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac by Gypsy. Tickets can also be exchanged for any other show or a refund.

Season Three begins in late August, with:

• Tribute to Madonna (8/31)
• Tribute to The Beach Boys (9/14)
• Tribute to The Eagles (9/28)
• Tribute to The Beatles (10/12)
• Tribute to Buddy Holly & the Legends of Rock & Roll (10/26)
• Tribute to Huey Lewis & the News (11/2)
• Tribute to The Blues Brothers (11/23)
• Tribute to Styx (12/7)

The country music Friday Nite Live Series continues with:

• Young Guns of Country – Tribute to the Superstars of Country Music (8/23)
• Tribute to Brooks & Dunn (9/20)
• Tribute to Roy Orbison (10/4)
• Tribute to Reba McEntire (11/8)
• Tribute to Keith Urban (12/13)

Tickets for Tribute Mania and Friday Nite Live shows are $22 presale / $25 day of show. Showtime is 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6:15 pm. Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office: (951) 658-5950.

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Although the crowd was smaller than usual, the performance was flawless, and the enthusiasm was loud and energetic. After the show, Vegas McGraw’s lead singer, Adam D Tucker, was swarmed by female fans. He posed for dozens of photos as his muscular chest strained against the buttons of his shirt.

In contrast, the next two concerts in the Tribute Mania Series will feature the music of a couple of classic hard rock groups form the 1970’s. On Saturday, July 20th, HHT will host a Tribute to Aerosmith featuring the talented musicians of the band, “Aeromyth.” This group has performed across the nation and appeared on numerous national television shows. They have a look, a sound, and a high-energy performance that will make you believe you are experiencing a live Aerosmith concert. The dance floor will be rockin’ to classic songs like “Walk This Way,” “Sweet Emotion,” and “Toys in The Attic” as well as more current hits like “Dude Looks Like A Lady,” “Jaded” and “Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing.”

Then on Saturday, August 3rd, the spotlights will fall on the band, Ridin’ The Strom Out and their hard-Rockin’ Tribute to REO Speedwagon. This classic rock group sold more than 40 million records, including 13 hit songs, including “Keep On Loving You,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” and “Take It On The Run.” Ridin’ The Storm Outperforms their high-energy tribute across the Southwest, thrilling fans wherever they play.

Later, Season Two of the Tribute Mania Concert series will wrap up with a Tribute to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac by Gypsy on Saturday, August 17th.

Season Three will begin in late August, with:
Tribute to Madonna, featuring Blonde Ambition (8/31)
Tribute to The Beach Boys, featuring Surf’s Up (9/14)
Tribute to The Eagles, featuring Desperado (9/28)
Tribute to The Beatles, featuring Hard Day’s Night (10/12)
Tribute to Buddy Holly & the Legends of Rock & Roll, with Not Fade Away (10/26)
Tribute to Huey Lewis & the News, with Heart of Rock & Roll, (11/2)
Tribute to The Blues Brothers, featuring Fairchild Blues Tribute (11/23)
Tribute to Styx, featuring Rockin’ The Paradise

The country music Friday Nite Live Series continues with:
Young Guns of Country – Tribute to the Superstars of Country Music (8/23)
Tribute to Brooks & Dunn featuring Neon Circus (9/20)
Tribute to Roy Orbison with Neil Marrow (10/4)
Tribute to Reba McEntire featuring Corrie Sachs (11/8)
Tribute to Keith Urban by Urban Skies (12/13).

Tickets for Tribute Mania and Friday Nite Live shows are $22 presale / $25 day of show.
Showtime is 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6:15 pm. Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office, (951) 658-5950.

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As a retired senior citizen, you have to be aware of the need to stay active both physically and mentally in order to maintain good health. Fortunately, Hemet and San Jacinto provide multiple options for seniors to exercise their bodies and minds so age does not become a burden but rather a period in your life to enjoy.

If you are into the intellectual pursuits, the Hemet Senior Computer Club is for you. This organization meets every third Monday of the month at Valley Wide Recreation Center, 43935 E. Acacia Ave., 10 am to noon.

The Hemet Historic Theatre has a Classic Films showings scheduled for every Monday and Tuesday. Next Monday look for the l960 film “Little Shop of Horrors” and for Tuesday the l961 movie “Night Tide”

Every Tuesday the American Legion Post 53, located at 124 N. Ramona St. in Hemet offers Early Bird Bingo starts at 5:30 pm. If your preference is dancing, every Wednesday the Senior Dance Group opens its doors from 6:30 to 9:30 at Hemet West Clubhouse with a variety of musical groups.

Or if you are a widowed person the Widowed Persons Activities Club at 305 E. Devonshire Ave. meets every second Friday of the month at 1:30 pm. Call 951-658-8657 for information.

In addition to the above activities, our community is lucky to have multiple museums like the Hemet Museum housed in one of the oldest structures in downtown Hemet with extensive exhibits of local memorabilia; The San Jacinto Museum and Estudillo Mansion with a vast collection of local photographs and artifacts; Western Science Center housing fossils and artifacts and a 270 degree movie screen that immerses viewers in the history of the valley; Estudillo Heritage Park Water Conservation Education Garden whose slogan is “Keep it Water- Wise, Keep it Beautiful” will please your eyes and nose with countless colors and aromas.

These venues and activities will keep your body and mind occupied with something that you will remember and want to share with your family and loved ones. For a full up to date calendar of Things to do in Hemet and San Jacinto, check out the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle’s D section for a running ten-day schedule.

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