WALLACE — The city of Wallace never shies away from an opportunity to celebrate their rich history and heritage, while also taking every chance they can to honor one of their own.

Next week, they get to do both during Lana Turner Week.

Born Julia Jean Turner at Wallace’s Providence Hospital on Feb. 8, 1921, Turner changed her name to Lana and became a legend of the silver screen and a Hollywood icon.

So to celebrate the centennial anniversary of her birth, the city decided that a weeklong celebration was in order.

Due to COVID restrictions still being in place, Lana Turner Week will primarily be celebrated virtually, but there will still be a public dedication of a new plaque in her honor at Wallace’s Liberty Theater — the site of her first public performance — on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 5 p.m.

Bonnie and Dave DeRoos, the current owners of the Liberty Theater, are scheduling showings on the same day for two of Turner’s films; "The Postman Always Rings Twice" and the "Sea Chase."

It will be in-between the showings of the two films where the dedications will take place, as well as a reading of the official proclamation signifying the authenticity of Lana Turner Week.

There will be no charge to attend the screenings, but theater goers will be encouraged to make donations to Shoshone Pet Rescue, as well as observe COVID-19 restrictions on masking and safe social distancing.

This would be the second time Turner has been feted by her hometown. The first occurred on June 19, 1942, when she arrived in Wallace as her final stop on a two-week West Coast swing to sell War Bonds.

Officials proclaimed it “Lana Turner Day" and the star went on to help celebrate the fledgling Gyro Days by handing out the first prizes in the Lead Creek Derby.

Turner passed away due to throat cancer on June 29, 1995.

“We hope it proves to be a classic fun Wallace style event,” said Wallace Chamber coordinator Dave Copelan. “As well as recognize the impact Wallace has had on Hollywood and vice versa.”

For more information, visit www.wallaceid.fun.

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