The 100 Mile House Waterpark Society is inviting area residents to a movie night in Centennial Park on Sept. 14.
With the help of Success By 6 – an initiative dedicated to early childhood development – the society has arranged for Fresh Air Cinema, an outdoor movie company, to show a “new release family movie” at the 100 Mile park on a giant inflatable screen the night of Sept. 14.
Admission is by donation, says Jamie Hughes, co-founder of the Waterpark Society.
The movie starts at 8:30 p.m., but people are welcome to find a spot and set up chairs or lay down a blanket under the night sky anytime after 8 p.m.
(The name of the film can’t be released in the media because of copyright.)
Hughes says she’s hoping for about 500 people in the audience.
“It’s to encourage families to get outdoors more,” she says of the event, where popcorn and candy will be available for purchase.
Fresh Air Cinema has been travelling around B.C. and will be set up in Quesnel the night before it arrives in 100 Mile.
Centennial Park is the proposed future site of the Waterpark, which Hughes says will cost close to $300,000 to construct. Since their inception in March, the Waterpark Society has raised just under $40,000.
Hughes is a resident of 100 Mile House for more than 30 years. She has three children and operates a day-care facility.
“One of the main things parents complain about in the summertime is there are no family-friendly beaches in our area. You either have to drive to Lac la Hache or Green Lake.
“There really aren’t any activities in our community for kids to enjoy on a hot summer day. There are communities smaller than 100 Mile House that have a waterpark.”
Hughes adds a waterpark would be a welcome attraction for younger families, but is inclusive to all.
“It appeals to everyone – young and old. We’re asking people to donate.”