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Planet 51 launches Movies in the Park on Saturday
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Green aliens are coming to Woodward Park when the sun sets Saturday.

That’s when the animated comedy “Planet 51” kicks off the third annual Movies in the Park.

There is no charge for the movie series that runs on Saturdays through the end of July. It starts this Saturday at 7 p.m. with the up and coming Manteca band “Mars Hill Revisited” performing. The film starts after dusk. There will also be a kid’s tent with games set up each week.

There is no charge for any of the entertainment. There will be booths offering movie staples such as water, sodas, popcorn, candy, hot dogs and such. Prices are meant to be affordable with soda and water, for example, costing one dollar. Those attending have the option of bringing their own food and drinks.

The plot line of Planet 51 involves an American astronaut landing on the planet Glipfrog that is populated by little green aliens that live in a civilization that resembles the 1950s in the United States.

There is an addition Saturday at Woodward Park and two Movies in the Park set for Northgate Park. All four events start at 7 p.m.

The July 17 date at Woodward features “Old Dogs” starring John Travolta and Robin Williams. That is the night Joni Morris will perform.

Sandra Bullock in “The Blind Side” is the July 24 movie that follows live music by “We are Family” at Northgate Park.

The July 31 movie at Northgate Park is Jackie Chan’s “The Spy Next Door.” Prior to that, the “Name that Song” game show takes place.

Those attending are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to the event being staged by DeCristo Productions. Helping offset expenses through sponsorships are Phil Waterford’s Manteca Ford, South San Joaquin Irrigation District, and Bill Broughton Farmers Insurance.

Dedicated segments to various Manteca non-profits including videos produced by DeCristo Productions will be presented. Organizations being featured are the Manteca Boys & Girls Club, Manteca Unified Student Trust, Give Every Child a Chance, Agape Villages family services, and Second Harvest Food Bank.

Those attending the Movies in the Park are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages as coolers and bags may be checked.

Leashed dogs are welcome in designated areas with some restrictions applying.

Children under 16 must have adult supervision.

DeCristo Productions has staged outdoor movie presentations for a fee for apartment complexes and other gatherings. More information is available by calling 922-2673.