SEQUIM — The happy ending is on a far horizon, but Olympic Theatre Arts’ members are poised to celebrate anyway at their unfinished center.

And they’re not letting the “Do not occupy” notice stop them.

Today (Saturday), the OTA board of trustees will host a party in the parking lot.

They’ll fete the fact that after raising more than $1.1 million toward the three-phase renovation of the center at 414 N. Sequim Ave., OTA is just $200,000 away from the grand opening of its new main stage.

And, fundraising coordinator Elaine Caldwell said on Thursday, OTA has won a $98,000 grant from the federal Housing and Urban Development Department.

Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Belfair, who represents the 6th District which includes Clallam and Jefferson counties, helped the community theater troupe apply for the funding, Caldwell said.

The potluck and picnic will run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. today, with live music provided by the Sequimarimba band. Admission is free, and partygoers are encouraged to bring side dishes to share.

Caldwell added that OTA supporters will have a chance to look inside the 160-seat main playhouse, which has been the source of much struggle over the past year and a half.

“We’re just going to let people take a peek,” she said.