Apparently we have some history in Tampa. Just by doing a little bit of research one will find many historical things to do. Recently I came across some of Tampa's history and what's even better is that it relates to movies! The Historic Tampa Theater presents outdoor movies each summer, and who doesn't love a good movie under the stars?
The Tampa Theater has been around since 1926 and in the past few years has started doing an event titled "Sunset Cinema." This is a traveling outdoor movie show that goes to outdoor areas in the Tampa area and screens classic movies. Now when I say classics I'm not talking about the movies from 50 years ago. I'm talking about the flicks from the 80s when my generation was growing up. We're talking "Back to the Future" and "Field of Dreams."
This Saturday they will be setting up the outdoor movie in River Tower Park and screening "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark!" This is a movie that just about everyone has seen at some point in their life. It appeals to all ages and I highly recommend coming out and joining in this unique way of watching movies. I personally need to see Indiana Jones because I need to get that horrible taste out of my mouth that the last installment of this franchise put there. "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" was as mediocre as the Buc's offense last season (someone had to say it). People who saw the last Indy movie but for some reason never saw the first one should definitely come out and see what a "real" Indiana Jones flick is all about.
I've dubbed this event put on by the Tampa Theater as, "The Big Picture Picnic." So I encourage all to come out and enjoy this outdoor movie event in Tampa.
All the Outdoor Movie Details
WHAT: Sunset Cinema, Tampa Theatre's Traveling Outdoor Movie Show, a FREE mobile outdoor film series featuring contemporary and classic films.
WHERE:
3/21 8pm- Raiders of the Lost Ark at RIVER TOWER PARK at 401 East Bird Street in Seminole Heights, bordered by 1-275 and Florida Avenue. Contact # is 813-274-8615. Parking is available at the park. Parking attendants will be on hand to provide direction.
4/18 8pm- Field of Dreams at WEST TAMPA LITTLE LEAGUE at MACFARLANE PARK , 2000 West Jamaica Street in West Tampa, bordered by North MacDill Avenue and West Spruce Street. Contact # is 813-274-8184.
10/10 7pm- Back To The Future at AL LOPEZ PARK at 4810 North Himes Avenue in North Tampa bordered by West Hillsborough Avenue & North Dale Mabry Avenue. Contact # is 813-274-8184.
10/24 7pm- Shrek at MEDARD PARK at 5737 Turkey Creek Road in Plant City, east of Brandon, 1 mile south of Highway 60 off Turkey Creek Road. Contact # is 813-757-3802.
WHEN: Saturday, March 21st, Saturday April 18th, Saturday October 10th and Saturday, October 24th. The films will begin just after sunset. We will also have a dedicated Frisbee-zone and Frisbees available for purchase.
HOW WILL THE FILMS BE SHOWN? We project our outdoor movies on a high-quality digital rear-projection system on a giant, inflatable 50-foot wide screen. Dual, synchronized digital outdoor projectors will produce an image that is luminous and crisp, and a powerful sound system will allow guests to enjoy the outdoor film from almost anywhere in the park.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE? Way before the film begins. You can arrive as early as 6:00 p.m. Part of the fun will be arriving early to picnic, toss a Frisbee, people-watch and enjoy the early evening with your friends and neighbors. Prior to the outdoor film, you might even see yourself on the big screen as snapshots of guests at the park are flashed upon the screen.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS? The Tampa area is known for the scattered showers that are prominent during the late afternoons. The dark sky can intimidate and it may look grim for an outdoor movie, but don't let that scare you away. We will show a movie in light rain. We will only stop the show for safety reasons if there are very strong winds or lightning in the vicinity. Otherwise...the show will go on!
If you come prepared and can get through any bumps in the weather, the outdoor movie experience will be extremely rewarding. Don't forget rain ponchos and jackets, blankets or sleeping bags to fend off any chillier night air.
It might be helpful for you to bookmark Tampa Theatre's Sunset Cinema webpage http://tampatheatre.org/sunsetcinema.php for schedule and event updates on the day of show.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING? Along with your friends and family, you might want to bring blankets, compact beach or lawn chairs, your own snacks, beverages, and rain gear if the weather is iffy. If you like to toss nerf balls or Frisbees, bring them. If you like to read, bring a book to read prior to sunset and the start of the movie.
WHAT FOOD, BEVERAGES AND MERCHANDISE WILL BE AVAILABLE? Tampa Theatre will provide all Sunset Cinema concessions and merchandise booths, featuring a traditional theater concessions stand offering popcorn ($2), candy ($3) soft drinks ($2) Gatorade, bottled water ($3), and juice boxes for the kids ($1). Fun souvenirs like official Sunset Cinema Frisbees and picnic blankets will also be available. Proceeds from concessions and merchandise sales help support Tampa Theatre's year-round artistic and educational programming, and offset the cost of producing Sunset Cinema events.
HOW MUCH DO TICKETS COST? Admission is FREE!
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? e-mail gargoyles@tampatheatre.org our small but intrepid staff will answer e-mail questions within 24 hours.
http://www.tampatheatre.org/sunsetcinema.php
Source: "THE BIG PICTURE PICNIC" by Joe Belcastro, Tampa Movie Examiner. Read full article at: http://www.examiner.com/x-5235-Tampa-Movie-Examiner~y2009m3d16-THE-BIG-PICTURE-PICNIC.
