Watch 'The Force Awakens' at Gorton Center's block party
On Saturday, Sept. 16, the community is invited to grab blankets and lawn chairs and don their best Star Wars costumes to experience an array of programming, live music, entertainment and a movie under the stars in the Gorton Community Center's parking lot.
On the heels of last year's inaugural block party, which brought in over 300 attendees despite inclement weather, Gorton plans to deliver a-family friendly evening of fun by bringing the community together and screening "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" on a 35-foot outdoor screen.
Admission is free and the event is held in celebration of all the programs and events that are happening at the Center, as well as an effort to increase awareness of what Gorton's resident tenants are doing for the community.
"We are really excited about this event," Gorton's Director of Film Jamie Hall said. "This is a chance for us to give back to the community and help people understand all that is available at Gorton and to experience it up close and personal."
Resident tenants will have tables with activities and giveaways that tie into their mission while engaging and entertaining guests.
Activities will include: cookie decorating sponsored by Gorton's Drop In Learning Center; a tie dye table by Fill A Heart 4 Kids; an instrument petting zoo by Bravo Waukegan; youth violin performances by Donna Curry's students; and Lake Forest Library and Ragdale reads giveaways. Scott Whitehair who curates Gorton's Truth Be Told series will bring a mobile storytelling stage where guests can take a turn at the mic, and Robothink will have a hands on robotics demonstration. Super Soccer Stars will have a mini soccer field at the event for families to participate in and understand all that program has to offer.
Other Gorton-sponsored entertainment will include face-painting, a costume contest, a petting zoo with Wildlife Discovery Center, and live music by TKO Duo, singer/songwriters who will bring contemporary music to the stage before the film.
Sunset Foods, a long time partner with Gorton, will provide complimentary tastings to the crowd. Gorton plans to raffle lots of prizes, including gift certificates and passes to films and events, and there will be prizes for best costume.
In an effort to get the word out about their state-of-the-art theater and the fact that they now sell fresh popcorn at their films, Gorton will be popping kernels fresh from their new popcorn machine and selling it to enjoy along with the movie. Other vendors selling food at the event will include Left Bank, Sauced Pizza, Sweet Pete's, Jester Juice, and Brother Willie's cotton candy and sno cones.
The event is free to the public, and begins at 5:30 p.m. with food and entertainment, and the film will begin at sundown. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
The Gorton Community Center is at 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. In case of rain, the event will move from the parking lot to the Gorton building and John & Nancy Hughes Theater.
For information about the Gorton Community Center, visit www.gortoncenter.org.