GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - For more than 30 years, the Gridley High School (GHS) Renaissance Dinner has provided a welcome performing arts opportunity for many students, entertained the community, and raised funds for the Gridley High School Band and Drama programs.

“It’s definitely more than just a fundraiser, especially for us kids. It’s joy. We go to practices, we have fun, we hang out, we laugh, we get close and it’s a form of art,” said senior McKenna Swanson. “Being able to have a chance to perform in front of people, I’m super grateful for that.”

Students performed comedy skits, dances and songs. The jester told jokes and collected jokes from the audience. Those attending paid the Queen to put ne'er-do-wells in the dungeon, with others paying to release them. The evening ended with the song “Homeward Bound,” traditionally sung by the Gridley High School Choir and choir alumni.

“It was my gateway into doing theater and finding out that this is where I had my confidence, and this is where I belonged,” said Swanson, who has participated all four high school years. “It introduced me to the friends I’ve had for most of high school. It’s nice to have a thing where we can all come and be.”

Ethan Jacobsen, in his fourth year as Gridley High School music teacher, continues the Renaissance Dinner tradition because students, teachers, alumni and the community anticipates it. It sells out every year and is the music and drama programs’ largest fundraiser. The evening also provides the fall performance opportunity for the drama students.

Band director Ethan Jacobsen thanked cast director Connie Quist, head cook Julie Thompson, barbecue extraordinaire Jeremy and Joanie Grover and Shirley Lam, who helped in several different ways. Jacobsen also thanked the many parents and community members who helped make it a magical evening.