Chinese Moon Festival is the theme for the Annual Gala Fundraising Dinner to be held at Good Neighbors Theatre, 8780 Highway 111 on Saturday evening, September 24.

The theme for the evening banquet and entertainment is based on ancient customs celebrated with autumn festivals all over China. Beginning at 6:00 P.M. with hors d’oeuvres, dinner follows with a catered seated meal.

Guests are not expected to come in costume, but it will be a great night for festive attire. All proceeds will benefit Good Neighbors Theatre and the continuation of theatrical productions.

Chinese Moon Festival, is one of the most important annual festivals for the Chinese people with many and varied local customs that have developed over centuries of celebration and legend.

The fascination with the moon may have its roots in ancient rituals. Being a largely agricultural society, the planting and harvesting of crops was of central importance and was dictated by the dates on the lunar calendar.

Occurring around the time when rice is harvested, the holiday may have come from farmers giving thanks for the bounty.

The time-honored mid-autumn festival boasts a history of thousands of years, with origins of appreciating the moon as a custom being traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907).

Also, celebrating the singular beauty of moon seems to be done quite often in Chinese art, poetry, and literature.

Invitations were recently sent to previous attendees. Everyone is welcome—couples, groups of friends, singles.

A written invitation is not required to attend. Everyone who enjoys coming to plays at GNT or is interested in keeping the theatre doors open can contact GNT at 931-864-8315 to make a reservation

Reservations are required by September 17. Be sure to include your name and the total number of guests attending. Provide your phone number in case you need to be contacted.

All of the productions and events provided by Good Neighbors Theatre are made possible by the generous contributions received from our supporters.

Donations supporting the non-profit organization will be graciously appreciated during the evening event, which funds the building loan.

A donations table will be available at the event along with envelopes for your contributions.

Those not able to attend, but wishing to contribute may send their contribution to Good Neighbors Theatre at P. O. Box 493, Byrdstown, TN 38549.