Recently in Fox Theater Category

Some of the best young boxing athletes in Pomona and Southern California will participate in "Box at the Fox" Aug. 16 at the Fox Theater. Doors open at 1 p.m.

The fund raiser will benefit Fist of Gold Youth Center in Pomona and will include young fighters in its program facing off with athletes from across the region.

The afternoon's card includes more than 12 matches but the main event features Diana Gutierrez of Pomona and Corina Hernandez of Ontario.

Tickets will be sold at the door the day of the event.

Adult tickets for those ages 15 and older are $10. Children's tickets are $5.

POMONA -- A little history, some glitz and a newly restored grand building will all be part of the first event taking place this evening at the historic Fox Theater.

The sold-out Fox First Night Sneak Preview fundraiser has generated excitement among people offering them a chance to take a look at the restored and renovated building, which had been closed since 2000 following years of decline.

The black-tie optional event has generated such enthusiasm in people that some are opting to dress in 1930s period attire, said Larry Egan, executive director of the Downtown Pomona Owners Association, and one of those involved in organizing the event.

Plans call for closing Third Street between Garey Avenue and Thomas Street from 6 a.m. to midnight today to accommodate activities.

POMONA -- For months and years, people across Pomona have been waiting for the opening of the Fox Theater.

Downtown merchants are no exception.

"I think everybody is looking forward to it," said Ana Esquivez, owner of Galeria Rustica on South Thomas Street.

Esquivez, like other merchants in the area, said the opening of the Fox is expected to bring people, perspective customers, to the area for shows and other activities who could return later to shop and eat at local businesses.

Esquivez said she frequently extends her business hours on evenings when events are taking place downtown, and she is prepared to do the same when the Fox has concerts or other functions.

The owner of the shop -- which offers home furnishings, art pieces as well as jewelry and more -- hopes to see regular activities at the Fox that draw a variety of potential customers to the area -- perspective clients of all ages to which her shop is prepared to cater to.

POMONA  -- The guests wouldn't be arriving for another three days, but workers at the newly restored Fox Theater were rushing about Wednesday finishing floors, touching up paint and installing new carpeting, all in preparation for tonight's event.

The event is no small affair, it is the sold-out Fox First Night Sneak Preview fundraiser, the first event at the restored theater.

Restoring and renovating a building -- which was designed in 1929, constructed in 1930 and opened in 1931 -- comes with some challenges.

"It's been very complicated to make it all work as a state of the art venue," said Jerry Tessier, who with his brother Ed and business partners Paul and Perry Tollett made the project a reality.

By the time guests arrive late this afternoon, the work in and around the auditorium will be completed.

Some construction will continue in coming weeks to finish off restaurant and lounge spaces in other parts of the building.

All of those pieces, part of the first phase of the project, are expected to be completed by May 21, in time for the first concert on the Fox's schedule, Tessier said.

Some areas will be off limits to visitors tonight because they are considered construction zones, but there will be plenty for them to see.