Update: The Big Top Comes to Walnut Creek

Update:  Workers are putting up the big tent Thursday, even as the clouds break and the sun peeks in ...

The big white tent is going up in front of the Lesher Center for the Arts on Locust Street, which means one of two things. Either the circus is coming to Walnut Creek’s downtown or East Bay arts patrons and community officials are getting ready to party.

There’ll be a bucketload of big acts and joyful celebration on Saturday, Oct. 8, as attendees of the center’s annual gala, On Broadway, sip, dine, dance and delight in raising support for performing arts groups and youth programs.

, the nonprofit partner of the Lesher, plays host for the evening. Chevron, Target, Wells Fargo and 60 companies and community leaders are signed on as sponsors.

Comedienne Rita Rudner will entertain. For those not satiated by the Las Vegas star’s headlining performance — not to mention cocktails, a catered sit-down dinner prepared by Barbara Llewellyn Catering & Event Planning, wines selected by Wente Vineyards and a chance to win a private “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and accompanying $2,500 certificate to spend throughout the store — the band Take 2 will keep the beat during the Encore Party.

Last year, the gala raised $235,000 for the 900 theater, dance, music, and free or affordable performances presented at the center each year.

In a press release, Co-Chairs Steve Lesher and Jill Winspear say: “On Broadway is critical to DRAA’s ongoing mission to enrich both the quality and the availability of the arts to our community through the Lesher Center for the Arts.”

For the event, a half-block stretch of Locust Street between Civic Drive and the entrance to the Locust Street parking garage, will be closed from Thursday to 6 p.m. Sunday. If you'd like to park in the garage, you can enter from California Boulevard.

More than 600 people are expected to pack the outdoor ballroom. With one year of free VIP parking in downtown Walnut Creek on the auction list, guests might want to plan ahead for next year’s gala by bidding high: Parking will be at a premium.