Saturdays in August: August 1, 8, 15 and 22

Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism will present the third season of the Family Films by the Fountain free film series at City Center at Oyster Point on Saturday evenings in August (August 1, 8, 15 and 22).  Each evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. with free Film-Themed Fun featuring games, crafts, entertainment, and give-a-ways based on the theme of that evening’s film.  A drawing for free Busch Gardens tickets will be held on each night of the series.

Family Films by the Fountain Schedule:

August 1, 2009: Madagascar 2; Rated PG
This sequel brings back lovable New York Zoo Animals, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo. Still stranded in Madagascar, they manage to leave the island only to land in the wilderness of Africa. There, Alex meets the rest of his family but has trouble communicating after his time at the Central Park Zoo in this hilarious animated adventure.  FREE Film-Themed Fun:  Meet Busch Gardens’ Animals, Craft- make your own Jungle Necklaces; Game- Animal Anglers, Jungle Moon Bounce, Tiki Rock Climbing Wall, and Animal Face Painting.

August 8, 2008: Hotel for Dogs; Rated PG                       
Based on Lois Duncan’s novel, the story revolves around two orphaned teenagers who decide to turn an abandoned building into a safe haven for stray dogs.  NOTE: This week only, you may bring your dog to the film.  Dogs must remain on a leash.  FREE Film Themed-Fun: Dog Costume Contest (winner receives a gift card to Care-A-Lot), Game- Canine Catch, Crafts- Doggie Magnets and Doggie Placemats; Dog Moon Bounce, and Exhibitors- Belle Adore, Animal Aid Society, Virginia Beach SPCA Neuter Scooter, Precious Purrs & Paws, Inc., Newport News Animal Services, and the Peninsula SPCA . 

August 15, 2009: Kung Fu Panda; Rated PG
Po is a lazy, irreverent slacker panda who is a fan of Kung Fu but that doesn’t help his boredom at working in his family's noodle shop. Unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy, Po's dreams become reality when he comes under the leadership of Kung Fu guru Shifu and trains to hilarious result. Po must use his training to fight the treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung in this animated adventure. FREE Film Themed Fun: Martial Arts Demonstration, Bungee Trampoline, Fortune Cookies (while supplies last), Crafts- Chinese Lanterns and Panda Signs.

August 22, 2009: Journey to the Center of the Earth; Rated PG (in 3-D; 3-D glasses supplied while supplies last)
A scientist whose radical theories have completely tarnished his reputation goes backpacking across Iceland and finds a
cave that leads him deep down into the bowels of the planet. He follows it trying to find out what has happened to his
missing brother. He discovers a fantastic and dangerous lost world in the center of the earth filled with bizarre
landscapes and terrifying creatures. FREE Film Themed Fun: Crafts- 3-D Chalk Drawing and Make Your Own Slime;
Obstacle Course, Rock Wall, and “Mad Science” Show.

Admission to Family Films by the Fountain is free and the Film-Themed Fun activities are free.  Free popcorn will be available each night, while supplies last.  A Food Vendor will be on site selling snacks and soft drinks ($).  The Film-Themed Fun activities will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the film starting at twilight (approximately 8:30 p.m.).  The end time of the event will be determined by the length of the film.  A drawing for free Busch Gardens tickets will be held on each night of the series.  On August 8 only (Hotel of Dogs), you may bring your dog to the film.  Dogs must remain on a leash.  Pets are not permitted on August 1, 15, or 22.

Free parking is available in the Merchants Walk Parking Garage (from I-64, take Exit 256A onto Oyster Point Rd., turn left onto Canon Blvd., turn right onto Town Center Drive, turn right to enter the Merchants Walk Parking Garage) and the Fountain Way Parking Garage (from I-64, take Exit 256A onto Oyster Point Rd., turn left onto Canon Blvd., turn right onto Thimble Shoals Blvd., turn right onto Fountain Way, turn left into the Fountain Way Parking Garage).

For more information, call (757) 926-1400.