Imagine a time when great acts such as Charlie Chaplin, Jack Benny, Fred Astaire and Sarah Bernhardt graced the stage of Tacoma's nearly 100-year-old Grand Pantages Theater.

This is exactly the idea behind this year's Destiny Dinner hosted by the Tacoma Historical Society (THS). The theme of Sunday evening's event is "That's Tacoma!" where 1920s and 30s era costumes are encouraged (but not required) and classic entertainment will be celebrated.

From 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the historical Pantages, expect vaudeville performances, a fabulous silent auction, dessert dash and more in an evening full of fun to benefit THS.

"It's a chance to spend a great evening with great people," says Dr. Jerry Ramsey, member of the Tacoma Historical Society. "The dinner is always a delight, last year we enjoyed the rock ‘n' roll period of dress and this year's 20s and 30s vaudeville will be fun. There might even be a W.C. Fields impersonator."

Last year's Destiny Dinner paid homage to the rock n' roll history that is part of Tacoma, with recognition of bands such as The Wailers and The Ventures and another dinner played on the theme of A Streetcar Named Desire.

This year, with the centennial celebration of the Pantages Theater approaching, it was appropriate to theme the Destiny Dinner around the history of such a great building, and to revisit the performing arts hey days of the 20s and 30s.

"The Pantages Theater in one of the few left that is not broke down, and we still continue to use it to bring in world class acts," says Dr. Ramsey.

Ramsey urges the importance of preserving Tacoma's history.

"Like the old cliché goes - those who don't know history are bound to repeat it," he says. "It's exciting to know what our fore bearers accomplished in Tacoma."

The Tacoma Historical Society is currently seeking a new location to better serve the community and better care for its growing permanent collection of historic Tacoma objects, photos and documents. Proceeds from the event will help fund THS's efforts to promote, preserve and present the history of Tacoma and its people.

Some of the items being raffled and auctioned at the dinner include a vacation: a private condo in Hawaii, a staycation (a weekend at the Courtyard in Tacoma complete with massages, local sports and entertainment events) and a wheelbarrow full of Northwest wines.