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Special advanced screening an effort to connect with teens

CARLSBAD— In a revamped effort to include teens in the community, the Parks and Recreation Department will be screening the newest installment of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1” Nov. 19, two days before its release.

The event is open to middle and high school students in Carlsbad with a valid school ID.

Rachael Shay, special events supervisor, said the evening will be complete with a private entrance to Edwards San Marcos Stadium 18, “paparazzi” and a private concession stand filled with food and drinks for purchase.

“There’s going to be a little bit of that VIP/ red-carpet experience when they get off (the bus),” Shay said.

Carlsbad’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an advanced screening of the newest “Hunger Games” film. Image             courtesy Lionsgate Publicity
Carlsbad’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an advanced screening of the newest “Hunger Games” film. Image courtesy Lionsgate Publicity

 

The idea came about after the department asked 50 teens in the LITE Program, which stands for Leadership in Training and Education, what type of events they’d like to attend.

“We’re trying to connect our teens to the community because it’s not something they’re thinking about but we want them to know that Carlsbad is thinking about them and offering events that are fun and creative and new,” Shay said.

Some of the students said movies in the park and food trucks would be fun so on Nov. 8, the city held a free screening of the first two “The Hunger Games” movies with food trucks.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the city’s website or the day of the event.

Teens will meet at Pine Avenue Community Park starting at 3 p.m. and be bussed to the theater. Parents can pick them up at the park at 10 p.m.

City staff and 12 volunteer marines will be on hand to chaperone during the screening, with one chaperone for every 15 kids.

“We decided that to make this event cool, we would not have parents involved,” Shay said of the decision to have staff chaperones instead of parents.

Plenty of tickets are still available.