NORWICH – The Norwich Business Improvement District and the “Friends of the Parks” will be hosting a Great Gatsby-themed gala event from 6 to 10 p.m., Friday in East Side Park.

The event will combine the BID’s annual dinner with a fundraiser for the historic restoration of East and West Parks. “This event is about raising funds and awareness of the park project,” said BID Executive Director Pegi LoPresti. The BID and the Friends of the Park have been working closely together since the group’s inception.

LoPresti explained the use of the parks has significantly increased in the last 15 years, with the addition of the Pumpkin Festival, Bluesfest, Colorscape, Gus Macker and many other events. The parks project includes plans to upgrade the electrical infrastructure to ensure these events can safely continue, adding a permanent stage area in East Park, changing the layout of the sidewalk to make it more curved like it was when it was built in 1908. Other changes include moving the pavilion to the front of East Park and putting it at ground level, adding permanent public restrooms and making all entrances to the park handicap accessible.