SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — Under a clear spring sky Saturday night, the Historic Mars Theatre rolled out the red carpet for “Savor the Spotlight: A Mars Legacy Gala,” a fundraiser focused on preserving the landmark without relying on taxpayer dollars.

A night under the lights

An event tent filled the theater’s parking lot, where guests in formal attire mingled over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as members of the Effingham Orchestra performed Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer.” Attendees posed for photos along the red carpet, and classic cars lined the entrance — including a 1982 DeLorean owned by Bluffton’s Brian Nelson, complete with a flux capacitor, a nod to “Back to the Future.”

Inside, artwork by local artists was displayed near the stage, and a 15-minute documentary highlighted the Mars Theatre’s history and role in downtown Springfield’s revival.

The evening concluded with a performance by the Effingham Orchestra, directed by Charles Patterson, featuring a mix of classical works and film scores, including selections from “Jurassic Park,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Mars” from “The Planets” by Gustav Holst.

Preserving a landmark

Director Maddie Greer said the gala was designed to celebrate the theater’s impact while addressing needed repairs.

“We’ve got structural damage — foundation issues — and it needs a good bit of work,” Greer said as a train rumbled by behind the theater. “Rather than pass that cost onto taxpayers, we felt the Mars and what it has brought to Springfield was worth celebrating and preserving.”

Proceeds will support repairs and long-term upkeep of the theater, which opened in 1945 and reopened April 25, 2014, after restoration. The fundraising goal is $50,000.

Mayor Ricky Eilerman said the effort reflects the community’s commitment to maintaining the Mars.

“This is our project — not the citizens’ burden,” he said. “If we can raise the money to fix it, we’re not going to use taxpayer dollars because it’s not fair.”

Cornerstone of revitalization

Eilerman described the theater as a catalyst for downtown’s resurgence, helping attract businesses and visitors.

“Ever since it was restored, Springfield started growing,” he said. “It’s the cornerstone of the revitalization.”

While the building remains structurally sound, he said ongoing maintenance is typical for a historic property, including roof repairs, brickwork and minor foundation issues.

The Mars has also become a regional draw, bringing visitors from across Effingham County and beyond.

“There’s really nothing else like it around here,” Eilerman said.

Greer said repairs will be scheduled during the theater’s off-days to avoid disruptions.

“I basically blacked out the calendar to make sure nothing gets disrupted,” she said.

She credited the community for making both the event and the theater’s continued success possible.

“There would be no point in doing this without the community,” Greer said.