Outdoor movie to kick off JC Parks summer programs

Cyclists stand Saturday, May 9, 2020, by their bikes and vehicles, listening to instructor David Bange outline the route for the morning's community bike ride in north Jefferson City. More than 50 cyclists of all ages showed up.
Cyclists stand Saturday, May 9, 2020, by their bikes and vehicles, listening to instructor David Bange outline the route for the morning's community bike ride in north Jefferson City. More than 50 cyclists of all ages showed up.

For possibly the last time at the current amphitheater, the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department will host Stars Under the Stars this Friday.

The giant inflatable screen will return to the Ellis-Porter Riverside Park amphitheater this weekend with a free showing of "Toy Story 4."

Attendees will bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on and are welcome to bring their own refreshments.

The Sno Biz truck will be there selling snowcones, said Phil Stiles, program manager of special events for JC Parks.

Stiles said the Parks Department is able to host the film events despite the ongoing concerns around coronavirus because social distancing can be maintained and people will bring their own seating.

The film will begin at dusk, about 8:45 p.m.

The films scheduled for July 10 and August 7 - "Playing With Fire" and "A Dog's Journey," respectively - will likely be held at a different location, as construction of a new amphitheater may begin at Ellis-Porter in June.

The Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Commission approved a $2,881,400 contract with Jefferson City-based Verslues Construction in May for improvements to Ellis-Porter Riverside Park, including a new amphitheater.

Department Director Todd Spalding previously said the amphitheater will include fixed seating for around 2,000 people with additional seating behind and hillside, grass seating farther back.

The improvements also include a new bathroom facility and parking lot security lights.

Also returning this year is the Slip, Slide and Play event, which was held for the first time last year.

The event, which includes water slides, inflatables and more, will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 18 at Ellis-Porter Riverside Park. The Bubble Bus will also return, and they hope to have a variety of other activities, Stiles said.

Admission for the event is $15 for adults and $10 for youth 17 and younger. Wristbands for admission can be purchased in advance at The Linc. Admission also includes same-day admission to Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool.

Wristbands will be for sale at the event but will cost an additional $5 each.

Other summer parks programs and events in Jefferson City are also beginning as the temperatures rise.

The season's second Community Bike Ride is scheduled at 9 a.m. June 13, kicking off from the Scholastic Inc. parking lot off Stertzer Road.

New outdoor recreation programs are also available this year, including camping in Binder Park and an Adventure TREK canoeing program for teenagers.

City pools and Washington Park Ice Arena will reopen the first week of June after being closed or delaying opening because of the coronavirus pandemic.