Fremont Park has put on a few movie nights in the park. On Friday, the delightful 2009 animated Disney-Pixar movie Up was shown to area residents and guests. The Capitol Area Development Authority (CADA) with the help of the City of Sacramento and Friends of Fremont Park held their Movie in Fremont Park screening. The movie was free to the public and had other activities preceding the showing of Up.

Lena Wrightsman, former president of Chalk-it-Up, was at work finishing up a chalk drawing of Carl who is one of the main characters of the movie. Around the Fremont Park fountain Lena had already drawn Kevin, Russell (characters in the movie) and as she finished Carl moved on to draw Dug the dog. As she chalked the Up characters children (and adults) stopped to admire her work. As she continued to draw she answered some questions. We talked about her involvement with Chalk-It-Up. She has been involved in Chalk-it-Up for many years and as she continued to draw I couldn’t help but notice her enthusiasm for the program and for the arts. As she spoke she kept drawing without missing a beat it all looked like second nature to her. Her enjoyment of this art is quite admirable this was more evident as she noted, “I think kids would like doing this, it allows you to use your imagination and you can go as far as you want. If I can just motivate one kid to become inspired In the arts it would make everything worthwhile”. Her passion is very commendable. Chalk-it-Up comes to Fremont Park on Labor Day weekend (September 4 – 6) and celebrates its 20th Year Anniversary. The talent exhibited throughout the weekend is unbelievable, pure talent is exhibited at every age level.

On Friday evening Fremont Park was brightly decorated with balloons to go with the Up movie theme. Attendees were able to feast on free hot dogs, drinks, root beer floats and popcorn. The collaboration between CADA, the City of Sacramento and Friends of Fremont Park did a splendid job putting the event together. A giant floatable screen that looked like a giant TV was used to show the movie on. Families set up their lounge chairs and blankets on the grass in front of the screen. While they waited they were able to enjoy the free food. Some vendors had set up stations to display literature for services they offered.

Supercuts from 1501 16th Street had a station set up to highlight their services. Four members from the Freemont Building salon were on hand to talk about their services and do some hair work mostly on kids. It looked like the kids that had their hair highlighted in colors and spiked enjoyed their dos and liked showing off to adults. Friends of Fremont Park had a table set up to provide literature and answer questions. One of their next scheduled events will be their 2nd Annual Fremont Park Community Yard Sale on Saturday, September 18. Any unsold items can be donated to the Salvation Army. Also on hand for the event was a station for face painting with Rosie the clown at the helm and Mimo the clown doing balloon creations.

Musical entertainment was provided by 18 year-old Stormy Sergent. She had a band of several members that came from San Francisco, Galt, Herald and other nearby places. They played a wide range of music that captivated the audience. Stormy has a very strong and penetrable voice. She also had a strong presence on the Fremont Park stage. I did a little research on the web but could not find a website that was available. I did find some videos of her singing on YouTube. With her voice and talent I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from her.

The 3rd Annual Movie in Fremont Park was a great success thanks to the Friends of Freemont Park, the City of Sacramento and CADA collaboration. Vendors and other organizations at the event deserve to be commended for their participation. I believe this is a good example for other neighborhoods to follow and perhaps create good neighbor relations throughout our cities.

Photos:

1 - Giant Screen

2 -  Lena Wrightsman

3 - I Survived the Paparazzi Red Carpet Area

4, 5 - Supercuts Station

6 - Balloon Entrance

7 to 10 - Stormy Sergent and her band

11, 12 - Bring in the Clowns - Rosie and Mimo

13 - Fremont Park Audience