By Nestor CASTIGLIONE

Glendale will be celebrating the birthday of a very special member of the community this weekend, which has aged so gracefully that one would never guess it’s only a few years shy of the century mark.

The Alex Theatre, the crown jewel of Glendale’s cultural life, will be holding a bash for its 92nd birthday on Sunday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – and everyone is invited.

Glendale Arts, the non-profit organization that operates the Alex Theatre, hopes that the party will not only help raise funds for the venue, but that it will help the local community appreciate its importance and standing.

“It’s all going to be very fun and interactive,” said Nina Crowe, director of Fund Developments and Community Partnerships for Glendale Arts.

Aside from food and drinks for the public, there will also be a self-guided tour, and scavenger hunt as well as raffle prizes. Among the raffle prizes are gifts donated by Massage Envy, the Glendale Historical Association and Laemmle Theatres. Some of the online auction prizes include gift cards to Bloomingdale’s and tickets to see the Lakers at Staples Center.

Guests will also have opportunities to speak to the theatre’s technical staff.

The event, which is sponsored by the Downtown Glendale Association and the Walt Disney Company, is free to the public.

The Alex Theatre’s resident organizations, such as the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and Glendale Youth Orchestra, have been crucial in establishing the venue’s cultural cachet. But, as Crowe explained, there are also diverse and less tangible factors that explain the theatre’s appeal.

“There are a lot of stories that we hear [from local residents] about what the theatre means to them,” she explained. “It’s about creating these memories and experiences. So it’s a gift that we can be part of their stories. It’s about memories, it’s about culture, and also improving Downtown Glendale.”

The Alex Theatre has certainly kept busy with creating memories and fostering cultural enrichment. Last year the venue boasted 235 days of activity. A lot of those were from its resident companies. But very many were also from other events.

“Sometimes it’s great comedians who do stand-up on the stage,” Crowe said. “But we’ve also had people come to speak and lecture, like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Not only do we do great performances; it’s a place where people come to have cultural conversations, celebrate weddings and anniversaries, and where local organizations can meet and hold mixers.”

For the past 92 years, the Alex Theatre has played an integral role in Glendale as well as in the San Fernando Valley as a cultural hub and destination. Crowe said she hopes it continues to be so in the next 92 years.

“We really do have a wide stretch. We appeal to a wide audience. People come from out of the city and sometimes even out of the state for our events. The Alex Theatre is really a gem in our city.”

For more information on the Alex Theatre and its 92nd birthday celebration, please go online to www.alextheatre.org. To learn more about the online auction to raise funds for the venue, visit www.biddingforgood.com/auctions/284760047.

Bidding will end Sept. 8.

  Nestor CASTIGLIONE