Fresh Air Cinema in partnership with FortisBC, the Quesnel Rodeo Club (QRC) and the South Quesnel Business Association (SQBA) are bringing free outdoor movies to Quesnel on July 14-15.
Fresh Air Cinema will be showing Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on Tuesday, July 14 and Onward on Wednesday July 15 in Alex Fraser Park, with the gates opening at 8:45 p.m. and the movies starting at 9:45 p.m.
Tickets will be available to the public through the Eventbrite website starting at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 2. While the event is free, donations will be accepted with the suggested minimum donation being $30 per vehicle, 100 per cent of which will go to the Quesnel Special Olympics Chapter.
QRC president Ray Jasper says he is happy his organization along with the SQBA were able to help bring the event to the community especially after having to cancel this years rodeo due to COVID-19.
“We were sad that we couldn’t put on a rodeo for the community this year and had been hoping that there was still something that we could do with the space we have for the community since there is not much going on right now,” said Jasper. “I approached these guys way back when and we got working with the South Quesnel Business Association who had done this before and they are a big sponsor for our rodeo, probably our premier sponsor, so it was kind of a no brainer to get involved with them and with the two of us worked together in Quesnel to make it happen and we are just really happy that it all came together.”
Fresh Air Cinema is putting on similar outdoor movie events in 30 communities across British Columbia this summer as a way for families to enjoy a night out with their loved ones while being able to practice safe social distancing during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“In a time when we’ve had to adapt to physical distancing, and when so many families and friends have been forced to spend time alone in their homes, we’re excited to once again bring the joy of movies to families across the province,” said Jason Bashnick, Managing Director, Fresh Air Cinema. “These offer a place where we can all connect safely and watch our favorite stories on screen under a starlit sky. It’s also a unique experience that allows family members to crunch homemade popcorn and slurp soda as loud as they like without bothering the people around them.”
According to a release from Fresh Air Cinema, the outdoor movie events will be subject to the following policies which reflect the guidelines provided by the Provincial Health Authority:
- No tickets will be available at the gate.
- Upon arrival, have your ticket in hand to show the check-in agent so we can scan the barcode.
- No refunds, as proceeds are going to charity.
- Do not acquire tickets for more than one movie.
- We will be reviewing the guest list and duplicate guests will be denied entry. Please consider others who may want to attend.
- Please only come to the event with those that you reside with.
- This event is limited to 50 cars max.
- Please be mindful that this is a family friendly event.
- No drugs, alcohol or smoking on the premises.
- This is a “drive-in” event only. No bike or walk-ins allowed.
- No mingling allowed between cars/people.
- Patrons must remain in their vehicle unless to use washroom facilities.
- You cannot sit outside of your car or in the back of your vehicle.
- Washrooms are available but please ensure that you go to the washroom by yourself unless accompanying a minor.
- When queuing for the washroom, please line up a minimum of 6’ (2m) apart.
- Audio will be streamed through an FM radio station, there will be no additional outside sound.
- If you feel ill or were outside of Canada 14 days ago or less, please stay home.
- Max 8 people per vehicle. No commercial vehicles or tour busses.
- Rule breakers will be asked to leave.
A release from Fresh Air Cinema states that the outdoor movies are made possible through the companies partnership with FortisBC.
“Supporting Fresh Air Cinema is one of the ways we’re able to connect with and give back to the communities we serve,” said Alicia Hearn, program manager of conservation education and outreach, FortisBC. “While we typically use these opportunities to speak with people about energy conservation, we just want to focus on helping to provide a great opportunity for families to enjoy time together in a safe manner.”
Individuals interested in reserving tickets for either outdoor movie event can do so by visiting www.eventbrite.ca.
READ MORE: Quesnel Rodeo bucked by COVID-19
sasha.sefter@quesnelobserver.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter