This party had it all: more than 300 guests in tuxedos and evening gowns, lavish buffets, ice sculptures and arts industry networking, all against a Hollywood backdrop.

But the party in question took place Saturday, not Oscars Sunday, and the venue wasn't the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, but the Palace Theatre in Greensburg.

The most important difference between that other party and the Westmoreland Cultural Trust's Hollywood Party at the Palace, in its third year, was the Palace gathering wasn't about cinematic self-congratulation.

This annual fund-raiser is an opportunity for the people and businesses of Westmoreland County to show their support for the non-profit trust and its work, as well as a way for the trust to thank its supporters.

The Westmoreland Cultural Trust owns and operates the Palace Theatre and the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, as well as the Union Trust and Stark/James buildings. The trust's mission includes historical preservation and artistic and economic development across Westmoreland County.

Guests arriving on the red carpet were greeted by trust president Michael Langer as well as Hollywood Party co-chairs Margaret Colosimo and Pamela DeMezza, trust volunteers who have overseen the event since it began in 2006.

In his speech welcoming guests, Mr. Langer called the co-chairs' organization of the event "unbelievable" and credited them with helping to make it a success.

Westmoreland Cultural Trust board members and community supporters were well-represented. Attendees from the board were chairman T. Terrance Reese and wife Debbie; secretary Jamie McHugh and husband Dr. Regis McHugh; Duffy Friedlander and wife Summer; John A. Robertshaw Jr., and wife Anne; and Tony DeNunzio Sr.

Notable guests included Dr. Steven Ender, president of Westmoreland County Community College, and wife Karen; Westmoreland Museum of American Art director Judy O'Toole and husband Kevin; and WCCC music director and Hollywood Party honorary chairman Dr. Roderick Booker.

Miss Pennsylvania National U.S. 2008, Ashley Watkins, also attended.

This year's theme was 1940s Hollywood, with the Megan Intermission Suite decorated to look like the Copacabana Lounge and the mezzanine becoming Rick's Cafe Americain. The upper Megan Suite was the Hollywood Canteen, complete with servers in leather flight jackets providing coffee, cordials and dessert.

Partygoers were treated to decorations such as photos and movie posters from swing-era Hollywood, as well as wartime memorabilia from the collections of local residents.

Food and beverage committee chairmen George Shaner and Michael Philopena pointed out that the martini bar and the wide range of hors d'oeuvres, including sushi, were some of the edible attractions available as a result of the support of 14 local restaurants and caterers.

A new feature of the Hollywood Party this year was the backstage pre-party, which began at 6 p.m. and was open to those purchasing $125 tickets

Before ascending to the Palace stage for a glass of champagne, each guest had his or her photo taken for display in the Palace Theatre's lobby. Pre-party guests were also treated to a performance by Frank Sinatra, better known as Greensburg attorney and stage actor John Noble.

"This event really showcases the Palace," Mrs. McHugh said, glancing up at the balcony above. "It's a jewel."

Stage Right artistic director Anthony Marino organized the entertainment, which included Hollywood-style production numbers like "Meet Me in St. Louis" by the Stage Right Sensations on the Grand Staircase, and solo and small group performances on improvised stages throughout the theater. Eric Barchiesi was musical director.

Featured performers John Noble, Renata Marino, Scott Sambuco, Kevin O'Leary, Kiley Caughey and Rachael Braun sang 1940s-era classics while impersonating Bob Hope, the Andrews Sisters, Rita Hayworth and Carmen Miranda.

Another attraction was the huge frozen Oscar statuette gracing the courtyard, carved by chef Mark Henry of IceArt Studios.

Co-chair Margaret Colosimo paused during the festivities to note that the Hollywood Party continues to attract more attendees each year.

"I think this one is the best yet," she said.