Archive | Special Needs Family Events | whatsdoingtampabay.com

Sunshine Sunday: November 2012

Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, November 25, 2012
Location: Glazer Children’s Museum
Cost: FREE for members, $5/person for non-members (Register online in advance, or purchase admission the day of the event; the event is limited to 300 guests); Pay for parking in adjacent Poe Garage (regular parking is $1.20/hr.)
Info: (813) 443-3861; Glazer Children’s Museum Website

What’s Doing?
Enjoy all the exciting features of this interactive children’s museum with the lights dimmed. Plus, there will be special programming and resources for children and families with special needs.

Address:
Glazer Children’s Museum
110 West Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL 33602

Image courtesy of Glazer Children’s Museum

Children and Their Families are Invited to a Special Sensitive Santa Event

Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Date: December 15, 2012
Location: Gulf Coast Church
Cost: FREE (Registration is required); Gifts available for purchase from vendors
Info: Please e-mail PuzzlePiecesofPinellas@gmail.com to register your child or family; Questions or concerns can be addressed to Adrienne at (727) 641-7947 or e-mail AdrienneBurleigh@gmail.com

What’s Doing?
This first annual Sensitive Santa event, benefiting children on the Autism Spectrum, is hosted by Mid-County Autism Support Group and Alternative Systems Design (ASD). Soft music, FREE crafts and activities, and door prizes will be provided to entertain guests while you wait your turn to visit and have your picture taken with Santa Claus.

Even Better! Vendors will be on-hand with last minute gifts and stocking stuffers, and medical and therapy providers will be available to answer questions and offer information about services available in your area.

Address:
Gulf Coast Church
13301 Walsingham Road
Largo, FL 33774

RELATED LINKS:
1. FREE (And Really Cheap) Family Movies Happening in November 2012: See What the AMC Sensory-Friendly Movie is for November
2. Little Hands: Healthy Snacks and Homemade Gifts Kids Can Help Make
3. Check the WDTB calendar to find more events taking place around Tampa Bay this weekend.

Thanks to Adrienne B. for sending us this information!

Saddle Up Riding Club’s 5th Annual Spooky Barn Benefit

Filed under Charity/Fundraisers, Halloween 2012 Events, Halloween Costume Contests, Haunted Houses/Trails, Oct. 2012 Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on October 24, 2012 at 1:39 am {no comments}

Time: 6-10 p.m.
Date: Saturday, October 27, 2012
Location: Saddle Up Riding Club
Cost: Games: $1; Costumed Horse rides: $5; Spooky Barn: $3/visit; Haunted Hay Ride: $5; Halloween-themed food will be available for purchase
Info: (727) 520-3132; Saddle Up Riding Club Website

What’s Doing?
Help support Saddle Up Riding Club’s disabled riding programs and join in the fun:
— Games
— Horse rides (6-8:30 p.m.)
— Spooky barn (6-8:30 p.m.)
— Costume contest (for children and adults; 7 p.m.)
— Haunted hayride (for teenagers and adults; (9-10 p.m.)

Address:
Saddle Up Riding Club
6080 94th Avenue
Pinellas Park, FL 33782

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Special Needs Fall Festival

Filed under Halloween 2012 Events, Oct. 2012 Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on October 23, 2012 at 3:56 am {no comments}

Time: 4-6 p.m.
Date: Sunday, October 28, 2012
Location: Van Dyke Church
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 968-3983; Van Dyke Church Website

What’s Doing?
Special needs individuals and their families are invited to join in a night full of fun activities for special needs children, including crafts, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating and bounce house fun in a safe and loving environment.

Address:
Van Dyke Church
17030 Lakeshore Road
Lutz, FL 33558

Leaf Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Ghosts in a Pumpkin Image courtesy of debspoons / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Princess & Pirate Tea Party

Filed under Oct. 2012 Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on October 5, 2012 at 10:02 am {no comments}

Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, October 13, 2012
Location: Countryside Recreation Center
Cost: $5 for a parent/child, Siblings are $3 (Registration deadline is October 10!)
Info: for more information or to reserve your spot, call (727) 793-2339 ext. 245; October 2012 – City of Clearwater Newsletter

What’s Doing?
Healthy Choices for a Healthy Clearwater will host this special parent/child party for children age 5-12 with Autism. Wear your best pirate or princess costume, and join in on fun activities, including:
— Sensory-friendly games
— Photo booth
— Lunch with gluten-free choices

Even Better! Clearwater residents can sign up to receive a Healthy Choices for a Healthy Clearwater card that can be used for discounts at participating businesses.

Address:
Countryside Recreation Center
2640 Sabal Springs Drive
Clearwater, FL 33761

RELATED LINKS:
1. Tons of Fun is Planned for the 5th Annual F.A.I.R.: A Free Cross-Disabilities Event
2. 5th Annual Fall Festival Fundraiser at Horsepower for Kids
3. Enjoy a Farmtastic Family Experience at The MAiZE

Thanks for letting know about this event, Christine C.!

Tons of Fun is Planned for the 5th Annual F.A.I.R.: A Free Cross-Disabilities Event

Filed under Oct. 2012 Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on September 26, 2012 at 3:08 am {no comments}

Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012
Location: All People’s Life Center
Cost: FREE admission and parking; Food will be available for purchase
Info: (813) 935-5696; Family Abilities Information Rally Website

What’s Doing?
YES! of America United Inc. and Hillsborough County are proud sponsors of the upcoming 5th Annual Family Abilities Information Rally (F.A.I.R.). County Commissioners Ken Hagan and Kevin Beckner will open the F.A.I.R. with a welcome and Proclamation at 10:15 a.m. and will be joined by more than 80 community partners.

The F.A.I.R. is a family-friendly, FREE community event welcoming everyone regardless of his or her particular level of ability. YES! believes that “people are people, and people with disabilities just need accommodations.” People of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to visit more than 80 vendors with games and giveaways while having fun and learning about programs, products and services available in the community. The Hillsborough County ADA Liaison will provide information on what services the county offers. This event will include something for everyone in the family to enjoy, including:
— Sports
— Music and dance
— Games and activities
— Ye Mystic Crew of Gasparilla
— Dance troupe
— Face painting
— Sports figures
— Balloons
— Yippi the Clown
— The Blind Magician
— Para Olympians
— Miss Wheelchair Florida
— Bowling
— Wheelchair Basketball
— Arts and crafts
— Moon Bounce
— Nanny’s Educational Zoo
— Fire truck
— Mini horse
— Outdoor playground
— FREE books
— Demos on sign language and Braille
— Door prizes
— Silent Auction
— Speakers
— Vendor booths

Address:
All People’s Life Center
6105 East Sligh Avenue
Tampa, FL 33617

RELATED LINKS:
1. What’s Doing? Tampa Bay is turning 2 years old! Enter two win one of two birthday gifts.
2. Browse 2012 Halloween events happening in and around the Tampa Bay area this year.
3. Little Hands: Healthy Snacks and Homemade Gifts Kids Can Help Make

Thanks for sending us your event information, Patricia T.!

Streamers Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

September 30 is Sunshine Sunday

Filed under Sept. 2012 Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on September 22, 2012 at 12:34 am {no comments}

Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, September 30, 2012
Location: Glazer Children’s Museum
Cost: FREE/members, $5/person for non-members (Register online in advance, or purchase admission the day of the event; the event is limited to 300 guests); Pay for parking in adjacent Poe Garage (regular parking is $1.20/hr.)
Info: (813) 443-3810; Glazer Children’s Museum Website

Address:
Glazer Children’s Museum
110 West Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL 33602

RELATED LINKS:
1. 2012 Tampa Bay Area CureSearch Walk: Enjoy a Fun Family Day in Support of Children’s Cancer Research
2. Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live 2012: Enjoy Museums for FREE
3. Check the WDTB Calendar for more family-friendly events happening around Tampa Bay.

Saddle Up Riding Club’s September Farm Animal Interaction Day and Horse Rides

Filed under Charity/Fundraisers, Sept. 2012 Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on September 19, 2012 at 2:28 am {no comments}

Time: 4-6 p.m.
Date: Sunday, September 23, 2012
Location: Saddle Up Riding Club
Cost: Admission to the farm is $2/person; Horse rides are $5/person (Proceeds to benefit our Equine Therapy Program)
Info: (727) 520-3132; Saddle Up Riding Club Website

What’s Doing?
There will be games, refreshments for families to enjoy (Sno cones, cotton candy, drinks and popcorn will be available for a small fee), and treats to feed to animals. Bring the kids to see a bit of the country in the middle of the city.

Address:
Saddle Up Riding Club
6080 94th Avenue
Pinellas Park, FL 33782

Images courtesy of Saddle Up Riding Club.

FREE Sensory Jump at Pump It Up of Westchase

Filed under Ongoing Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on September 5, 2012 at 2:16 am {no comments}

Time: 5-6 p.m.
Date: Every Wednesday
Location: Pump It Up of Westchase
Cost: FREE for children on the spectrum or with other special needs
Info: (813) 854-2222; Pump it Up of Westchase Calendar

What’s Doing?
Go ahead … bounce! Every Wednesday through mid-December admission will be FREE for children on the spectrum or with other special needs, such as visual impairment.

NOTE: Don’t forget to bring socks (they’re required). And you will need to sign a signed waiver before playing.

Address:
Pump It Up of Westchase
12878 Commodity Place
Tampa, FL 33626

RELATED LINK:
Find out this month’s AMC sensory-friendly film.

Family Jumping Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

FREE (And Really Cheap) Family Movies Showing in September 2012

Filed under Family Movies, Sept. 2012 Events, Special Needs Family Events by whatsdo2 on August 31, 2012 at 3:08 am {no comments}

We love to give our kids fun experiences that don’t require us to check out bank account first, and we suspect that’s true for you, too. To help you out, we’ve compiled this list of mostly FREE — or at least really cheap — kid-friendly movies families can enjoy around the Tampa Bay area this month. Plus, we’ve added AMC Theater’s sensory-friendly film for September. So gather up the kids and head on out! Here’s what will be showing:

~~~ FREE MOVIES ~~~

Family Movie Matinee
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: Saturdays, September 1, 8, 22 & 29, 2012
Location: Seminole Community Library at St. Petersburg College, Seminole Campus
Cost: FREE
Info: Please call the Youth Services department at (727) 394-6913 for movie titles and additional information; Seminole Community Library Family Movie Matinee Details

What’s Doing?
All ages welcome, so bring the entire family for a movie this weekend. The Family Movie Matinee features movies rated either G (should be appropriate for all ages) or PG (parents may consider some material unsuitable for their children). Movies are shown on Saturday at 2 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

Even Better! FREE popcorn and soda will be provided by the Friends of the Seminole Library!

Address:
Seminole Community Library at St. Petersburg College, Seminole Campus
9200 113th Street
Seminole, FL 33772

Thank you for sending along this information, Marie H.!

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Popcorn and a Movie
Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 1, 2012
Location: Land O’Lakes Branch Library (Children’s Public Floor)
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 929-1214; PCPL Multiple Branch Calendar

What’s Doing?
Stop by Land O’Lakes Public Library on the first Saturday of each month to watch a newly released G- or PG-rated film while munching on complimentary popcorn and juice. (This program is recommended for Elementary school-age children.)

Address:
Land O’Lakes Branch Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O’Lakes, FL 34639

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Saturday Matinee At The Library
Time: 3-5:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 1, 2012
Location: Riverview Branch Library (Community Room)
Cost: FREE, but registration is required (Register at the Reference Desk or by calling 813-273-3652)
Info: (813) 273-3652; HCPL Multiple Branch Calendar

What’s Doing?
Here’s your movie clue: “Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister’s place for the latest match.” (PG-13)

Even Better! Refreshments will be provided, and guests are invited to stay after the movie for a chance to win the DVD.

NOTE: Seating will be limited to 50 people.

Address:
Riverview Branch Library
10509 Riverview Drive
Riverview, FL 33578

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Sunsets at Pier 60 Sunset Theatre
Time: Movies begin at dusk
Date: Every Friday and Saturday night, weather permitting
Location: Pier 60
Cost: FREE; Popcorn and soft drinks are available for sale
Info: (727) 449-1036; Pier 60 Website

What’s Doing?
Sunsets at Pier 60 is a daily FREE family festival that includes artisans and crafters, street performers, musical entertainment and, of course, a beautiful sunset every night! Every Friday and Saturday night, you can also enjoy a FREE film screening. Bring a blanket or low chair, and watch a movie on the jumbo screen.

— Saturday, September 1: Armageddon/PG-13
— Friday, September 7: The Pirates! Band of Misfits/PG
— Saturday, September 8: The Vow/PG-13
— Friday, September 14: Big Miracle/PG
— Saturday, September 15: Snow White and the Huntsman/PG-13
— Friday, September 21: Spy Kids 1/PG
— Saturday, September 22: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows/PG-13
— Friday, September 28: Madison/PG-13
— Saturday, September 29: Battleship/PG-13

Address:
Sunsets at Pier 60
10 Pier 60 Drive
Clearwater, FL 33767

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Early Release Day Movies
Time: 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2012; Wednesday, September 12, 2012; Wednesday, September 19, 2012 & Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Location: Largo Public Library (Children’s Program Room)
Cost: FREE
Info: For movie details, call the Library at (727) 587-6715.

What’s Doing?
Not sure what to do with the kids on early release Wednesdays? Bring them to enjoy a movie after school with friends.

Address:
Largo Public Library
120 Central Park Drive
Largo, FL 33771

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Tween Popcorn and a Movie
Time: 1-3:45 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 8, 2012
Location: New River Branch Library (Meeting Room)
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 788-6375;

What’s Doing?
Bring your kids in grades 4-7 for a special movie showing.

Address:
New River Library
34043 State Road 54
Zephyrhills, FL 33543

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Comedy Shorts Festival
Time: 1-4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 8, 2012
Location: Main Library (Meeting Room A/B)
Cost: FREE
Info: (727) 562-4970; Clearwater Public Library Calendar

What’s Doing?
Family fun with classic shorts of Charlie Chaplin, the Three Stooges, Little Rascals, and Laurel & Hardy. Trivia, games, & prizes!

Address:
Main Library
100 North Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755

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Early Release Movie
Time: 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Date: September 12, 2012
Location: Safety Harbor Public Library
Cost: FREE
Info: (727) 724-1525; Safety Harbor Public Library Calendar

What’s Doing?
Here’s your movie clue: “See the movie of how rival countries set aside their differences to work together and save three whales trapped under Arctic ice.”

Address:
Safety Harbor Public Library
101 2nd Street North
Safety Harbor, FL 34695

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Movies in the Park
Time: Sundown
Date: Friday, September 14, 2012
Location: Baybridge Park
Cost: FREE
Info: Website

What’s Doing?
Westchase’s FREE family movies in the park continues all summer long. Movies start at sundown. Bring chairs and blankets and settle in for a great movie night. Here’s what will be showing this month:

— Friday, September 14: Scooby Doo, The Curse of the Lake Monster/PG

Even Better! There will be FREE popcorn for everyone!

Address:
Baybridge Park
10017 Bridgeton Drive
Tampa, FL 33626

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Saturday Afternoon at the Movies
Time: 2:30-4:15 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 15, 2012
Location: Austin Davis Public Library (Community Room)
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 273-3652; HCPLC Multiple Branch Calendar

What’s Doing?
Here’s your movie clue: “A boy who lives on top of a train station discovers his father’s invention.” Can you guess what movie will be showing when Austin Davis Public Library turns into a movie theater?

Address:
Austin Davis Public Library
17808 Wayne Road
Odessa, FL 33556

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Children’s Popcorn and a Movie
Time: 1:15-4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 22, 2012
Location: New River Branch Library (Meeting Room)
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 788-6375;

What’s Doing?
Bring your kids in grades K-5th for a special movie showing geared especially for them.

Address:
New River Library
34043 State Road 54
Zephyrhills, FL 33543

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Family Movie Matinee
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 22, 2012
Location: Hugh Embry Branch Library (Meeting Room)
Cost: FREE
Info: (352) 567-3576;

What’s Doing?
Bring the family for this family movie matinee with FREE juice and popcorn.

Address:
Hugh Embry Branch Library
14215 Fourth Street
Dade City, FL 33523

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Chick-fil-A Movie Night
Time: 7:30-9 p.m. (Showtime will be around 7:45 but get there in time to set up chairs and blankets!)
Date: Saturday, September 22, 2012 NOTE: In the event of bad weather, the movie will be pushed back one week.
Location: Chick-fil-A at North Dale Mabry
Cost: FREE movie and Icedream (after the movie begins), you pay only for your food
Info: (813) 908-0787 for information concerning delays or changes; Chick-fil-A at North Dale Mabry Events Calendar

What’s Doing?
Movie Nights are back at Chick-fil-A on North Dale Mabry! The first movie of the new season will be The Lorax will be showing out in the Chick-fil-A parking lot. Guests are asked to bring chairs.

— Saturday, September 22: The Lorax/PG

Even Better! Once the movie begins, FREE ice cream will be served!

Address:
Chick-fil-A at North Dale Mabry
15801 North Dale Mabry Highway
Carrollwood, FL 33618

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~~~ REALLY CHEAP MOVIES ~~~

Ruskin Family Drive-In
Time: Box Office will open at 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) and 7:30 p.m. (Sun.-Thurs.)
Date: Nightly
Location: Ruskin Family Drive-In
Cost: $6/person, $1/child (age 5-8), FREE for children 4 years old and younger (CASH ONLY; admission includes BOTH movies); Food and drinks available for purchase at the concession stand
Info: Ruskin Family Drive-In Website

What’s Doing?
Bring the kids out to experience a bit of yesteryear at Hillsborough County’s only digital drive-in theatre. Playing now through September 13:
— 8 p.m.: ParaNorman/PG
— 9:30 p.m.: Madagascar 3/PG

Here’s what’s coming up later this month:
Movies for the week of Friday, September 14, 2012
— Movie 1: Vacation/R
— Movie 2: TBD

Movies for the week of Friday, September 28, 2012
— Movie 1: Hotel Translvania/PG
— Movie 2: Total Recall/PG-13

Address:
Ruskin Family Drive-In
5011 US Highway 41 North
Ruskin, FL 33572

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Joy-Lan Drive-In & Swap Shop
Time: Box Office will open at 7 p.m. (Closed Mon. & Tues.)
Date: Wednesday through Sunday nights
Location: Joy-Lan Drive-In & Swap Shop
Cost: $4/adult, $1/child (age 4-9); Food and drinks available for purchase at the snack bar
Info: (352) 567-5085; Joy-Lan Drive-In Website http://www.joylandrivein.com/

What’s Doing?
Enjoy a family evening at the drive-in! Playing now through September 13:
— Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days/PG
— Ice Age 4: Continental Drift/PG

Contact the theater for movies coming up later in September.

Address:
Joy-Lan Drive-In & Swap Shop
On US Highway 301 near Jordan Road
North of Dade City, FL

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Movies at The Historic Capitol Theatre
Time: 8 p.m. (Thurs.) & 3 p.m. (Sun.)
Date: Thursday, September 20, 2012 & Sunday, September 30, 2012
Location: The Historic Capitol Theatre
Cost: $5/person (Tickets for all screenings are priced to be family-friendly at only $5/ticket. Tickets can be purchased at the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office, on the web at www.atthecap.com, or by calling (727) 791-7400. The Ticket Office is open Monday-Saturday, from 12-6 p.m., while the Capitol Theatre Ticket Office opens only one hour prior to showtime.)
Info: (727) 791-7400; Ruth Eckerd Hall Website http://www.rutheckerdhall.com/event/the-goonies/11058/?loc=event-buy

What’s Doing?
The Capitol Theatre was constructed and established in 1921 — a classic performance hall complete with mezzanine and furnishings reminiscent of a classic Hollywood theater. The Theatre reportedly began as a vaudeville theater and movie house. From 1982-2008 it was known as the Royalty Theatre. Today, once again The Capitol Theatre, it is one of the oldest operating theatres in the state of Florida. Enjoy the splendor of days-gone-by with your kids as you watch some of your favorite movies on the silver screen.

— Thursday, September 20 (8 p.m.): Vertigo/PG
— Sunday, September 30 (3 p.m.): The Goonies

Address:
The Historic Capitol Theatre
405 Cleveland Street
Clearwater, FL 33755

Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office
1111 McMullen Booth Road
Clearwater, FL 33755

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~~~ SENSORY-FRIENDLY MOVIE ~~~

AMC Sensory-Friendly Films
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Saturday, September 22, 2012
Location: Participating AMC Theaters
Cost: Regular ticket prices apply
Info: Website

What’s Doing?
AMC Theaters, in partnership with The Autism Society, offer AMC Sensory-Friendly Films to families affected by autism. Come watch in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down, and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing.

— Saturday, September 22: Finding Nemo/G

(NOTE: Dates and films are subject to change.)

Address:
AMC The Regency 20
2496 West Brandon Boulevard
Brandon, FL 33511

AMC Veterans Expressway 24
9302 Anderson Road
Tampa, FL 33634

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RELATED LINKS
Find FREE (and really cheap) crafts for kids happening about Tampa Bay in September.
Check out the Milk Unleashed Blog App. for fun things to do with your kids while you’re on the go. (Enter to win the Milk Unleashed Gift Pack Giveaway by 9/6/12.)
Check the WDTB Calendar for family-friendly events happening this weekend.

Popcorn Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Film Poster Images are from IMDB; Find movie information, ratings, cast listings and more at IMDB.