After what will likely be remembered as an usually restricted summer, many local students are preparing to resume their school semesters next week. As a fun way to close out the summer the City of Groveland, in partnership with Be Free Lake, will simultaneously show the popular fun family movie, “Toy Story 4” (Rated G), for a free family-friendly movie night Friday, Aug. 21, at 8:15 p.m. This movie will show at the City’s Lake David Park and Cherry Lake Park locations. In an effort to socialize safely, space will be limited, and guests will be required to reserve their spaces ahead of time on the platform Eventbrite, for entry.

“Our team is excited to be able to provide a night where families can enjoy a nice movie together, safely in our new parks,” said Groveland’s Parks, Facilities and Community Service Director, Mike Walker. “We are thankful to our residents who have been so patient as we worked to make sure our parks are adequately prepared for our residents and visitors alike. We look forward to our next park phases and many more successful events.”

Although both parks will begin their movie showing at 8:15 p.m., each site will operate uniquely according to their location. Lake David Park located at 450 S. Lake Avenue, will function as a socially distant movie experience equipped with 26 lawn seating areas for parties of four to six people and sidewalk seating areas that will accommodate three people or less. Seating will be pre-assigned based on the number of guests in your group. Attendees for the Lake David movie showing are encouraged to bring their blankets, lawn chairs and their favorite matinee snack, to be enjoyed within their seating circles, as blankets and chairs will not be provided. Guests who are interested in attending at this socially distant location, must register on Eventbrite.com and show confirmation for entry. One ticket per family noting all participant’s names is required.

Food trucks Street Food Delights and Kona Ice Cream will be providing refreshments for purchase at this location, beginning at 7 p.m. All attendees are required to practice social distancing and the wearing of face masks throughout the event and while ordering refreshments or frequenting the portable restrooms.

In preparation for this event, South Lake Avenue will be closed from State Road 50 to Cherry Street. Parking will be available in the surrounding area of Lake David Park.

The Cherry Lake Park movie showing located at 131 Wilson Lake Parkway, will feature an old-fashioned, drive-in experience! Guests will be invited to tune into a specific radio station, to be announced on the night of the event, in order to hear the movie from the comfort of their vehicles. Refreshments from Rollin’ Dough and Chicago Ice food trucks will be available starting at 7 p.m.

Before showing the movie, there will be a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony presented by Groveland City Council members and the Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC) at 8 p.m. This drive-in location will have 60 parking spaces available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All attendees must register on Eventbrite.com and show confirmation on the night of the event before entry. Only one ticket per vehicle is required for registration.

Access to either park location is restricted only to attendees who provide proof of reservation confirmation. Attendees are reminded that reservations and parking spaces are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. The time at which a reservation is made does not guarantee seating in any particular area.

Once a park viewing location has been selected, guests are asked to remain at their designated park for the duration of the film. An officer will be present at each location to encourage adherence to social distancing, the Center for Disease Control guidelines and safety protocols.

To register for this event, visit www.eventbrite.com, change your location to “Groveland” and type in “Groveland Movie Night.” You may also click the respective location links below. We look forward to seeing you there!

Lake David Park Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-groveland-socially-distant-movie-night-in-the-park-tickets-117436891905.

Cherry Lake Park Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-groveland-drive-in-movie-night-tickets-116796275805.