“The Big Tent: Party For The Cinema 2” Returning To Sag Harbor

Nearly a month after the Sag Harbor Partnership and the community gathered at the Sag Harbor Cinema to commemorate the start of the Cinema’s restoration efforts, the Partnership is once again inviting locals and visitors to join them for another festive affair.

The Big Tent: Party for the Cinema 2 will take place on Sunday, July 8 on the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor.

“The Big Tent is a giant block party under a big tent on a long wharf,” explained Nick Gazzolo, President of the Sag Harbor Partnership. “1000+ people eat local food, drink local wine, dance, buy art, and raise money for a good cause. This year it’s for The Sag Harbor Cinema Arts Center.”

From 5 to 8 p.m., guests will enjoy a “Taste of Sag Harbor” presented by local Sag Harbor restaurants, wine from Bedell Cellars, Channing Daughters, Wolffer Estate and Croteaux Vineyards, BBQ fare from the Sag Harbor Fire Department, and much, much more.

The Wildlife Rescue Center will be onsite with special guests: the Center’s resident raptors. There will also be face painting for children (and adults), live music from the East End’s own HooDoo Loungers, and selfie opportunities with “movie stars”.

“You will see everyone you know from everywhere, including the Sag Harbor sign,” Gazzolo said.

Additionally, local Sag Harbor galleries are once again joining the fundraising efforts by hosting an Art for the Cinema Auction that will offer works from over 90 artists. Participating galleries include Laura Grenning, Julie Keyes, Monika Olko, Romany Kramoris, Sara Nightingale and Tulla Booth Galleries, while featured artists include John Alexander, Ross Bleckner, Cindy Sherman, Eric Fischl, Dan Rizzie, April Gornik, Ralph Gibson, Cornelia Foss, Daniel Pollera, Mary Heilmann, Susan Meiselas, Bryan Hunt, Lucy Winton, Mary Ellen Bartley, and more. The auction can be viewed at paddle8.com. Artwork starts at half the retail value, and opening bids range from $125 to $20,000. Art for the Cinema Auction will be on view the day of The Big Tent from 2 to 8 p.m., and bidding will end at 7:45 p.m.

“You won’t find a fundraiser that’s more laid back and gives you as fun much for $50,” Gazzolo added.

Admission is $15 for children and $50 for adults in advance and $60 at the door. Tickets are available online and at the Sag Harbor Liquor Store and the Wharf Shop on Main Street.

The Sag Harbor Partnership, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit committed to the “preservation and enhancement of the quality of life in Sag Harbor,” took over ownership of the Sag Harbor Cinema earlier this year. To complete the Cinema restoration efforts, the Partnership will need to raise $5 to $6 million for the construction phase. Once finished, the Cinema will house the Sag Harbor Cinema Arts Center, which will “preserve the showing of independent, foreign and documentary films on the East End of Long Island” and also offer education, programming and outreach for all ages.

For more information, visit www.sagharborpartnership.org.