A magic carpet ride - in Baxter

BAXTER - A Night at the Oscars is coming to Baxter.

So get out your best Oscar-night attire and get ready to watch the stars in Hollywood during a benefit from 5:30-11 p.m. Feb. 22 at Prairie Bay Grill and Catering in Baxter.

Tickets for Night at the Oscars are $30 per person, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Central Lakes Foundation's Random Acts of Kindness Fund. The Random Acts of Kindness Program assists Central Lakes College students with emergency help in purchasing books or with a short-term financial emergency.

A Night at the Oscars will be a night for attendees to enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks, with a chance to win prizes, while watching the Oscars. Big-screen televisions will be spread throughout the restaurant, provided by Tom's TV and broadcasting High Definition signal from CTC.

If you go

What: A Night at the Oscars.

When: 5:30-11 p.m. Feb. 22.

Where: Prairie Bay in Baxter.

Cost: $30 per person. Call Prairie Bay at 824-6444 by Feb. 20 for reservations.

Benefits: A portion of the proceeds goes to the Central Lakes College Foundation Random Acts of Kindness program for emergency assistance to CLC students.

The benefit is full of attractions, including a silent auction of items from local businesses. A VIP room, decorated by LaJeanna from Social Butterfly, will provide a private bar and server for VIP guests. This room has already been reserved.

Professional photographer Jon Arenz of Black Line Photo will take photos of guests in their Oscar-night attire. Guests will be greeted with valet parking, get checked in by "security" and there will be a red carpet entrance that includes posing for the paparazzi and chatting with a Baxter version of Joan Rivers.

Hollywood inspired hors d'oeuvres will be provided by Chef Matt Annand and his staff. Scott Lindman of the Wine Company will be the night's emcee. Each guest will receive a goodie bag full of coupons and gifts from local businesses. Game cards will be handed out to guests to guess the winners in multiple categories.

When asked why host an Oscar Night, Nick Miller, general manager of Prairie Bay, said in an e-mail, "What else are you going to do on a cold night in February. And besides, it's a good way to escape everything that's going on in the news and enter a fantasy land for awhile."

Miller chose the CLC Foundation to receive a portion of the proceeds.

"I know that some students are struggling, and by donating part of the proceeds to the foundation, I know the money will stay in the area and it will help students as well as the community," he said.

To make reservations, call Prairie Bay at 824-6444. Availability is limited.