St. Albert Centre is once again inviting the public to watch movies at its popular annual parking lot drive-in events.
St. Albert Centre is once again inviting the public to watch movies at its popular annual parking lot drive-in events.
General manager Jillian Creech said that people are very supportive of the summertime outdoor theatre, an event that is held in partnership with the International Children's Festival. It's so popular, in fact, that many anticipate the events for months.
“The questions about the night and ‘what movies are you showing' start coming in June,” she said. “People want to get it on their calendars, especially this year more than ever. Everybody is doing the staycation so we expect that it's going to be very busy this year. And it looks like the weather is going to be sunny by Friday too.”
This is the eighth year that the mall has been hosting movies that play on an inflatable screen. She noted that there is space for approximately 230 vehicles with an additional area for 150 lawn chairs in the front, so there's lots of room for everybody.
The fun starts this Friday with The Peanuts Movie. The show follows the old friends – Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Woodstock, Lucy and Linus, Sally, Pigpen and all the others – as the Little Red-Haired Girl moves into the neighbourhood and Charlie tries to win her affections.
Next Friday, audiences will be treated to Kung Fu Panda 3. It's the second sequel of the animated franchise that follows Po (voiced by Jack Black), a fairly unco-ordinated panda looking to become a martial arts master. Joined by his usual team of other animal friends, Po must fight to stop Kai (J.K. Simmons), a villain who defeats other kung fu masters and steals their qi, or life force.
Parking opens each of those days at 5 p.m. Use the down ramp on Bellerose Drive next to the pylon sign. Entrance fees are $5 per carload.
Once on site, people can enjoy the Kid Zone from 6 to 9 p.m. at $2 per child. The attraction (put on by the International Children's Festival) includes a bouncy castle, face painting, balloon artist and more. Each movie will commence at 9:15 p.m. once dusk arrives.
All proceeds from the events will go to support the festival.
“The community of St. Albert is very supportive. It's our way to thank them for their loyalty. It's also a fun way to celebrate the friendships and the pride of community that St. Albertans are so known for.”
