While Lakeland will not have the traditional Halloween and Fall Festival many have become accustomed to over the years, it looks like some fun is in store after all.
According to Kim Odom, the special events coordinator for Lakeland parks and recreation, a themed movie night is in store for Saturday, October 24. The event will be held at the IH Park. IH Park is where the LAMP concerts are held.
In a statement released by Ms. Odom, she said, “This has certainly been a strange time for everyone. We hope you are well and your business is surviving these difficult times. Although we have decided to cancel the popular Halloween Festival due to COVID-19 – we have figured out a way to offer families an evening of fun during Movie Night at IH Park on Saturday, October 24, at 7 p.m. We will provide kids with an exciting movie (TBA), and hand out goody bags filled with candy and trinkets for fun. We are inviting guests to wear their costumes for added excitement.”
She continued by saying, “It’s unfortunate that we cannot have a variety of vendors as usual, however; there is a way to sponsor this special event and be recognized at the same time. For a sponsorship of $50 and/or goodies to help fill our trick-or-treat bags your business logo will be added on the reel of the big screen to run before and after the show. Show time is at 7 p.m. Seating starts at 5:30 p.m.”
Ms. Odom said safety is the number one precaution and the plan has already been approved by the Shelby County Health Department.
How Will It Work?
Guests must preregister for a designated area for a household up to 8 members. There will be 50 preprinted areas on the grass with proper social distancing between each space. Sanitize stations will be setup for convenience. Lastly, there will be temperature checks upon arrival.
They are also planning a virtual Halloween Costume Contest for Lakeland families for a variety of age groups which will be announced soon. Sponsors of the evening movie event will be recognized on our virtual platform. Ms. Odom hopes business owners see the value in sponsoring saying, “We hope they will join us in providing families with a much-needed night out during these unprecedented times. Although you won’t be here in person as normal – families will see your meaningful support of this event.”
Register
Registration for this event will open on Thursday, October 8 at 3:00 pm on the City of Lakeland Parks and Recreation Facebook page. To support this special event please email Kim Odom at kodom@lakelandtn.org or call her at the Lakeland Senior Center at (901) 746-8195. You may also drop off your candy donation(s) Tuesday through Friday, October 13-16, from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Mrs. Odom will be out of the office on Monday, October 12.) If you are making a monetary donation you will be receipted when you drop off your gift at Lakeland Senior Center. If you write a check please make it out to: City of Lakeland P&R. Memo: Movie Night in the Park.
