“Thoughts from the Publisher”

Neena Strichart, Publisher for the Signal Tribune Newspaper, wrote a heartfelt article relating the current Movies in the Park series to her childhood memories. Thank you Neena for covering an event that is near and dear to our company. Read the entire article below.

“I have fond childhood memories of hot summer days being spent at movie theaters. My friend Becky and I didn’t just enjoy the films. We were also glad to be staying cool in the totally dark, air-conditioned, kid-filled sanctuary.

Back then, during those miserably hot school breaks, our moms would tell us to “go out and play.” When we did, we were overheated, sweaty, dirty, sunburned and darned thirsty. Do any of you folks remember childhood summers when staying hydrated meant drinking from hoses or sucking the water from sprinklers? Nowadays, kids have sports drinks, juice boxes, bottled water and Sunny D to quench their thirsts. I don’t think a little sprinkler head dirt would hurt any of them– we lived through it.

For those of us who want to keep ourselves, family members and friends cool and entertained during these upcoming warm summer nights, starting next Monday, June 19, we can all enjoy free movies in the park– sponsored for 12 years in a row by Signal Hill Petroleum (SHP). The 30 free movie showings will take place throughout Long Beach and Signal Hill at 29 different local parks.

According to a press release sent to us by SHP, they can’t wait for opening night, which will be held just three days from now at Signal Hill Park. That first night of movies will feature the showing of Star Wars: Rogue One.

I encourage attendees to get there early, because the people at SHP will be continuing a tradition that started last year– an opening-night raffle. Before the start of the movie, park staff members will be handing out free raffle tickets to the kids in the community for a chance to win one of three free raffle prizes. The first prize includes a movie basket complete with lots of candy, popcorn, and a Fandango gift card. Also to be won will be a summer-themed basket filled with essentials such as a beach towel, flip flops and a s’mores kit. Lastly, one lucky winner will walk away with the grand prize– a new bike!

In years past, two movies have been shown in Signal Hill each year. However, this year, the people from SHP tell us that they increased their donation budget to make sure that a third movie will be shown in Signal Hill this summer. The classic film ET has been added to the movie schedule and will be shown on Saturday, July 15 at Reservoir Park.

For the complete schedule of the Movies in the Park, please visit longbeach.gov/park/recreation-programs/programs-and-classes/summer-family-entertainment/movies-in-the-park.”