Last week’s sneak preview of Disney’s ‘The Lone Ranger? at the Oxford 7 Theater was a smashing success.
I dare say it was the ‘Event of the Year? and best of all, it was a completely private initiative. It wasn’t driven by a government entity or overseen by some public employee paid tax dollars for their time.
It was the product of community spirit, volunteer sweat and personal passion. Nobody was looking to profit from this.
As one of the organizers, it was extremely gratifying to see so many folks gathered together to celebrate an iconic hero with local roots and just have some good old-fashioned fun.
But absolutely none of it would have been possible without the generosity of so many businesses and individuals. I’d like to publicly recognize all those who contributed.
Thanks to Victoria’s Delights, 24th Street Sports Tavern, Lili’s Diner, the Ox Bar & Grill, The Oxford Tap, Casa Real and Red Knapp’s American Grill for providing all the delicious food for the pre-movie party.
Special thanks to the Sweet & Savory Bake Shop for creating 250 exquisite cupcakes, each with a hand-cut fondant Lone Ranger mask. They were the hit of the party.
A big thank you to Powers Distributing for providing all the beverages for the thirsty crowd. It was Oxford resident Gary Thompson, vice president and general manager of Powers Distributing, who made that happen.
Thanks to Oxford residents Tom and Robin Moore (also known as Ruby T & Valentine) for doing a dynamite job with the musical entertainment. They really helped set the Western mood and were a big hit with the crowd. Thanks to Whims Insurance for financing the band.
Thanks to Ken Peltier, a member of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Mounted Unit, for doing a bang-up job playing the role of our official Lone Ranger.
Thanks to Lake Orion resident Bobby Johnson for bringing Tonto to life with stoicism and authenticity.
Thanks to Goodrich Quality Theaters, owner of the Oxford 7 Theater, for not only securing this blockbuster movie a day early and providing two auditoriums in which to watch it, but for also cutting us one heck of a deal on the popcorn and beverages.
Thanks to the management and staff of the Oxford 7 Theater for serving more than 250 people popcorn and beverages in such a quick, efficient and gracious manner.
A hearty thanks to Oxford Bank for donating $2,500 to make this whole event a reality and providing space on its property for the private pre-movie party.
A sincere thanks to Enbridge, Inc. for donating $5,000 for the movie event, the Lone Ranger statue fund and any expenses that may arise for the Aug. 3 Celebrate Lone Ranger parade along M-24.
Thanks to Merge Studio & Gallery for coordinating the Lone Ranger/Tonto costume contest and ArtCapsule for providing the beautifully-framed Lone Ranger memorabilia that added to the festive atmosphere.
Thanks to the Oxford Village Department of Public Works for setting up the tents, tables and chairs. Thanks to the Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Department for providing the straw-bale seating. Thanks to DPW Superintendent Don Brantley for allowing us to use two of his personal coolers to keep the beverages cold.
A big thanks to Oxford Village Manager Joe Young, his wife Carol and resident Connie Miller for working clean-up duty after the party. I think that’s everybody. If I accidentally missed anyone, I’m sorry, but know your contribution was appreciated and vital to the cause.