Signal Hill kicks off its summer movies in the park

Kung Fu Panda was shown on this 29-foot inflatable screen in Signal Hill Park.

Story and photos by Tessa St. Marie
Editorial Intern

Providing a fun, wallet-friendly activity for all ages, Signal Hill Petroleum, in partnership with the City of Signal Hill Community Services Department and the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, will be showing free outdoor screenings of movies throughout the summer.
Movies in the Park successfully kicked off last Friday at Signal Hill Park with a screening of Kung Fu Panda. The park was filled with families who ate complimentary popcorn made in a brand-new popcorn machine.

There were also snacks for sale, music, and a raffle for assorted prizes before everyone settled down on the grass to watch the movie on a 29-foot inflatable screen.
James, Christine, and their daughter Krista Donavan of Long Beach read about the event in the newspaper and thought it would be a fun activity for their family. “I think it would be a good outing for my daughter,” said James. “Especially right now, with the economy the way it is.” Nine year-old Krista added, “I wanted to come because I wanted to see Kung Fu Panda.”
Kung Fu Panda is an animated film featuring the voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, and Ian McShane. The film is about Po (Black), a giant panda in the food-service industry who trains with Master Shifu (Hoffman), a red panda, to defeat the dreaded Tai Lung (McShane), a snow leopard bent on stealing the Dragon Scroll.
Movies in the Park will be showing 10 movies over ten weeks at 27 parks in and around Long Beach. The next movie to be shown at Signal Hill Park will be High School Musical 3 on Wednesday, Aug. 19. All movies shown, including The Tale of Despereaux, Star Wars: Clone Wars, and WALL-E will have a G or PG rating.
All movies will begin at dusk (around 8pm). Attendees are advised to bring their own blankets and chairs, and to dress warmly.