Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Join Us at Pelham’s Second Outdoor Movie Night!

Did you hear about the Second Outdoor Family Movie Night coming up next Wednesday at Peace Park? We need you and your family to vote for the films you want shown.

Where did the idea come from? At the spring 2010 Youth Forum, 90 teens representing Pelham's Youth from grades 7 to 12 clearly told the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) that they wanted more activities for youth and teens.

The second highest response for ideas was "Outdoor movie night." (You can find the complete report on the Town’s website in the MYAC section here.)

I was also very pleased that the 2011 Mayor's Gala raised funds to support various activities for youth. Along with four other groups, Gala sponsors and donors raised funds specifically for the MYAC to host an outdoor movie night and other youth activities.

Last year’s outdoor movie night was a huge success -- with hundreds enjoying "Despicable Me" in Peace Park on an idyllic, summer evening.

This year, the MYAC expanded the event to two movies -- one for families, and one for teens -- while also projecting local, youth videos!

Families can vote for one movie from among six -- "The Lorax", "Madagascar" 1 or 2, "Pirates: The Band of Misfits", "We Bought a Zoo" or "Happy Feet 2".

Teens can pick one movie from four -- "The Hunger Games", "A Team", "Footloose", or "Sherlock Holmes". You can cast your ballet at Pelham Town Hall, the Pelham Public Libraries, or through the MYAC Facebook page.

Cast your ballot by this Friday -- August 24 -- so that we can get the movies most wanted by the community.

In between the two winners, we will show two youth-produced short films: "Double" by Daniel Parent, and "Open Happiness" by Natasha Panter. These creative, thought-provoking, and home-made videos were chosen through a contest and showcase the exceptional talent of Pelham's youth!

The MYAC will also continue to "pay it forward." Last year, the MYAC used the event to raise funds and awareness for the United Way of South Niagara; the event was so successful that the United Way recognized Pelham's Outdoor Movie Night as the "best youth event."

So, proceeds from the sale of popcorn -- generously donated by Shriner's Creek -- and soft-drinks will again support the work of the United Way.

Please spread the word, pray for good weather, and join us on Wednesday, August 29 in Peace Park for Pelham's second Outdoor Movie Night!


UPDATE from Monday, August 27:
Voting is complete and the movies will be "The Lorax" (garnering +60% of the vote), and "The Hunger Games" (receiving 51% of the vote).
Hope to see you there!
Mayor Dave


UPDATE from Tuesday, September 11:
Thanks to all who attended. With your help, the MYAC raised more than $300 for the United Way of South Niagara.
And, if you want to see the two youth movies that were presented at the event, they are now available on the Town's Website by clicking here.
Finally, thanks to the members of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council and Pelham staff who helped organize the event!
Mayor Dave