The Hernando County YMCA and the Hernando Community Coalition will be singing the praises of free family entertainment on Saturday, April 2, when they will host the free Family Outdoor Movie Night 6 p.m. at Kennedy Park, 899 Kennedy Blvd. in Brooksville. Sing 2 will be the film featured at this event, which also will offer popcorn, hot dogs, and drinks at no charge. Amber Slusser, Branch Executive Director YMCA of the Suncoast-Hernando County, said, “We are excited about this family fun night opportunity for the south Brooksville community. Tresa [Tresa Watson, Executive Director of Hernando Community Coalition] and I had talked about it at one of our previous Family Fun Events and we circled back around to it as we both think it would be a great event to have for the teens and the families in Brooksville.”
This event enjoys a rich history in Hernando County. Slusser states, “The Hernando County Community Anti-Drug Coalition and the Y have partnered for many years now and before COVID we co-hosted Friday Night Done Right events that were a success for the middle school and high school students in the community. These free events provide an opportunity for teens to hang out, have fun, grab some food and have a positive event outlet to keep them from making choices that could lead to destructive behaviors.”
Executive Director of Hernando Community Coalition, Tresa J. Watson sees this movie night as both fun and meaningful. “The spirit of the event is that we can give families something to do that is healthy and conducive to good choices, and that doesn’t involve alcohol and drugs,” she said. What guests will get is a big screen presentation of Sing 2, which is a comedic family musical featuring a cast of animated animals who aim to put on a vivid song and dance show. The big screen will be provided by Jeff Price and Price Family Entertainment. Families are welcome to bring in any blankets or comfortable chairs for the show. Watson stated, “Student ambassadors from the Hernando school system will be handing out food, popping the popcorn, and making sure everyone is happy. And both YMCA and HCC staff and volunteers will be working at the event.”
In Slusser’s eyes this is a well-timed happening. “HCCADC had hosted a Friday Night Done Right Movie Night at Tom Varn Park a couple years back and it resulted in a large turnout so we thought this would be a great chance to do another one as we are coming to the end of the school year and will be quickly kicking off summer,” she said.
Organizers take pride in the presentation of Family Outdoor Movie Night. Slusser stated, “As we are continuing to move forward through the time of the pandemic, we know that both teens and families are looking for events and activities to participate in. We have been doing more family events and programs in Brooksville so that the families can have their YMCA experience and see how impactful the YMCA is and can be.” Tresa J. Watson states that these are two community programs that want to promote healthy things to do in the community on a Saturday night. For more information, call the YMCA at 352-688-9622.
