Birth of an Artist | Right Footed

Beloit International Film Festival raises disabilities awareness

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Birth of an Artist | Right Footed

Press Release

Beloit, Wis. — “Life-changing” and “inspiring” are words that have been used to describe BIFF’s annual tribute to the human spirit, BIFF CARES. Encouraging change through the BIFF CARES series is BIFF’s way of recognizing the influence that film can have to move us.

This year BIFF will offer two films, shown together in the same slot, that illustrate the capacity of individuals, without the use of normal appendages, to achieve great things through perseverance.

Right Footed tells the story of Jessica Cox, born without arms as a result of a birth defect, who has overcome physical and emotional challenges to become fully independent, learning to type, drive a car and fly an airplane. The film follows Jessica as she develops as a leading advocate for people with disabilities.

Birth of an Artist follows handicapped 17 year old Dasha as she lives her ordinary day and doing what she does best – painting with her toes. The Ukranian teenager was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth but her brain cells were not damaged allowing her to communicate and develop the talent for painting.

The BIFF CARES films will be shown together three times during BIFF. Tickets are available now at BeloitFilmFest.org.

BIFF CARES is sponsored by Beloit Regional Hospice, the Rock County Christian School, and the Beloit Health System.

The Beloit International Film Festival, celebrating its 11th year, is sponsored by the Hendricks Group in association with Beloit College and with funding from Visit Beloit. Support for the Festival comes from area businesses and civic organizations, and individual support for BIFF is provided through membership in the BIFF Founders and the Film Society of Beloit. For more information, please visit the BIFF website at BeloitFilmFest.org.

BIFF Venue Volunteers

BIFF is looking for a few hundred good volunteers for BIFF 2016

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biff-volunteers

Press Release

Beloit, Wis. — Now that the holidays are ancient history, it is time to start thinking about the fun that awaits us in the coming weeks. High on that list is The Beloit International Film Festival, less than a month away, starting its ten-day run on Friday, Feb. 19.

BIFF is searching for 300-400 volunteers to help with all aspects of the festival. Karen McKee, BMO Harris branch manager and BIFF board member, is chairing the volunteer effort for BIFF2016. She is looking forward to hearing from the BIFF veterans, who how number more than a thousand, and to welcoming a new group of volunteers who want to get involved in Beloit’s biggest event.

The BIFF Volunteer Page | Sign Up Today!

“Each year, BIFF changes just a bit which keeps it fresh,” says McKee. “But the one thing that remains the same and makes a marked impression on visitors and filmmakers from around the world is the warm welcome and great community involvement. Our volunteers are critical to the success of the Festival and they are great ambassadors for Beloit.”

There are a variety of ways to sign up. Volunteers may register online at beloitfilmfest.org/festival/volunteers. There will also be registration and training sessions during January at Bushel and Peck’s Local Market. Volunteer sign up dates are 9 am to noon on Saturdays, Jan. 30, Feb. 6 and Feb. 13. Volunteer training will take place Saturday, Feb. 13 at 1 pm and Tuesday, Feb.16 at 5:30 pm.

For more information on volunteering, check online at beloitfilmfest.org or call the BIFF offices at 608-312-4256.

For tickets and a complete listing of all BIFF films and events please visit the BIFF website at beloitFilmFest.org.

The Beloit International Film Festival, celebrating its 11th year, is sponsored by the Hendricks Group in association with Beloit College and with funding from Visit Beloit. Support for the Festival comes from area businesses and civic organizations, and individual support for BIFF is provided through membership in the BIFF Founders and the Film Society of Beloit.

Wizard of Oz 1925 Movie Poster

BIFF Makes Original Silent Wizard of Oz Sing Again with Support of Outstanding Artists

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Wizard of Oz 1925

Press Release

Beloit, Wis. — The BIFF Silent Film Showcase sponsored by BMO Harris Bank has been the centerpiece of the Beloit International Film Festival since its inception, and this year’s production will be a “Wiz of a Wiz” according to Rock River Philharmonic Music Director Robert Tomaro.

Following on the success of last year’s sold-out production of the silent “The Phantom of the Opera,” Tomaro and his friends are back, this time with an original music score and a new production of “The Wizard of Oz.” The program is built around the first silent film version of the story, but it may not be the Wiz you know.

The Silent Film Event Page & Tickets

TICKETS

 

Fourteen years before Judy Garland skipped down the yellow brick road, Hollywood came out with a very wild, very crazy silent film of The Wizard of Oz. Lost since then, Dr. Tomaro will revive it for BIFF with one performance at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 at Beloit College’s Eaton Chapel.

Tomaro’s original score will be complemented by songs such as If I Only Had a Brain and We’re Off to See the Wizard, selections from the Broadway musicals The Wiz and Wicked, and a memorable closing tribute to Judy Garland with Over the Rainbow. “This new moshed-up romp will have you rolling in the aisles,” the Maestro promises.

The film will be presented without intermission and will be preceded by a silent cartoon and period newsreel with musical support from the ensemble.

BIFF will welcome back two principal artists from the “Phantom” production with soprano Gaia Galvan, whose portrayal of “Christine” last year is still the talk of the town, and organist Robert Rub, whose performance on organ rocked the Castle last year. The ensemble will be filled out with musicians from the Rock River Philharmonic including Rob Tomaro on guitar and banjo; Dan Kastan on drums and percussion; John Mayers on trumpet; Ken Stein on saxophone and clarinet; and Tony Wisniewski on bass.

The “Wizard of Oz” has had a checkered history since Frank L. Baum published his book in 1900. What he described as a young girl’s dreamlike journey to an enchanted land over the rainbow is purportedly filled with hidden messages. It was made into a play that took veiled jibes at popular figures of the day, including Teddy Roosevelt and John D. Rockefeller.

In 1925, a little known vaudeville impresario, Larry Semon, adopted it as a vehicle to support a slapstick film romp starring himself as a farmhand from Kansas who disguises himself as the Scarecrow when he gets to Oz. He is accompanied by Dorothy and two other farmhands, who disguise themselves as the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man. The latter is played for laughs by a young Oliver Hardy in an outing that pre-dates his partnership with Stan Laurel. Tomaro sums it up: “This is not your grandmother’s Wizard of Oz.”

Valet parking will be available. Tickets are $28 and are available online at BeloitFilmFest.org and will be available at the Downtown BIFF Box office which opens Feb.8 in the Gallery Abba at CELEB, 437 East Grand Ave.

The Beloit International Film Festival, celebrating its 11th year, is sponsored by the Hendricks Group in association with Beloit College and with funding from Visit Beloit. Support for the Festival comes from area businesses and civic organizations, and individual support for BIFF is provided through membership in the BIFF Founders and the Film Society of Beloit. For more information, please visit the BIFF website at BeloitFilmFest.org.

BIFF Volunteers

The Annual Call for Volunteers | BIFF 2016

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Now that the holidays are in the rear view mirror, it is time to start thinking about the fun that awaits us in 2016.

Read more
BIFF 2015 Volunteers Thank You

Volunteer Appreciation Day!

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Thank You BIFF Volunteers

Volunteer Appreciation Day

Saturday, March 14 | 10:30am-6:00pm
Bushel & Peck

As a token of our gratitude for your hard work during the festival, BIFF will be hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Day of Film! Not a general public event. All those who volunteered during the 2015 festival are invited to attend!

The film schedule will be:

10:30 | Best Short Films – Fourteen Seeds/Mousse
Noon | Best Documentary – Becoming Bulletproof
2:00 | Audience Choice Best Documentary – West By Orphan Train
4:00 | Best Feature – East Side Sushi

No need to register, just come and enjoy the company of your fellow volunteers as you see the best of the festival!

Filmmaker Festival Reviews |BIFF 2015

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Films are continually reviewed. It’s all part of the process.
Film Festivals on the other hand…

Films get reviewed for inclusion into a film festival after which the process simply continues as films get reviewed by both “official film reviewers” and festival attendees. Each screening of a film, particularly at a film festival results in some form of review either formally for an “audience choice” award or simply in the mind of the audience member for subsequent conversations. It’s a humbling gauntlet of never ending critiques of the artistic expression from countless hours of devotion and, well funds. Naturally the filmmaker wants their work appreciated. Here at the Beloit International Film Festival we work hard to try and make sure our filmmakers and their work is appreciated. Some ways more obvious, others more subtle.

Less frequent however are opportunities for filmmakers to express their own reviews on their reception and experience at a given film festival. We, like the filmmakers themselves work hard to provide something of value to our audience, both festival attendees and our participating filmmakers.

It is not only understandable but expected that filmmakers feature their festival awards and accolades. They’re rightfully proud.

And like our guest filmmakers we too are proud of any recognition gained from our attending filmmakers for a job well done.

So, from the BIFF organizers to the sponsors to the volunteers and the Beloit community we say…
Thank you.

Hank and Asha

Filmmaker Festival Review – Julia Morrison, Co-Producer | Hank & Asha

“Thanks again for inviting ‘Hank and Asha’ to screen at BIFF, and for all of your hard work and hospitality at this year’s fest. It was a great experience — good audience turnout, really nice community support. You have all built a very special event in your town, and you can really feel how deeply it is appreciated by festival goers and volunteers. It was an honor to be included in it. The intimate-ness of the town and the fest also was very conducive to above-average chumminess among the participating filmmakers, which was lovely as well.”

http://www.hankandasha.com
Paper Chain Productions

FOOD | Song Siqi

Filmmaker Festival Review – Song Siqi, Animator, Director, Producer | Food

“BIFF has a great selection of films, nice group of filmmakers, friendly and helpful volunteers, engaged audiences and the most dedicated festival staff. Thank you so much for bringing us to this fabulous town!”

http://foodbysiqisong.tumblr.com

Starfish Throwers

Six Awesome Recommendations by Mel LeBaron

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Throughout the movie-packed days of BIFF, (Feb. 20 through March 1), I am planning to devote my free evenings to a film-watching extravaganza. I feel like I am picking out delicious sushi bites from a rich, extensive menu. Therefore, I gotta make sure I select the best morsels!

So, at first glance, to choose from the total of 200 films (which also include short films), it certainly seems like an impossible task.

As a film addict, believe me, I know how difficult it is to pick: Comedy or Romance? Drama or Documentary? Animation or Horror? I become a film glutton for ten days.

Annually, I scan through the year’s program book’s film summaries, glance at pictures, and then I align my potential choices to specific, limited dates of a showing, or my ability to attend.

However, allow me to gently guide you to six of this year’s promising tales from two genres (three films per genre).

The power of humanity especially shines in the following documentaries: “Starfish Throwers” and “Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic.”

The Starfish Throwers

In “Starfish Throwers,” three separate stories are linked by the desire and drive to help others in need. For example, one man begins to serve homeless people in his home country, India. This award-winning chef quit his job and decided to care for others, first, with food, then kind, human touch that they often don’t receive. He sits with them, talks with them, cares about them.

Someone You Love | The HPV Epidemic

Similarly, in “Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic,” the power of humanity is revealed as five stories unfold. Five women share the same diagnosis’s, and throughout the film, they each learn to navigate their journeys as they fight a largely misunderstood cancer that lurks within their bodies.

Back Issue | The Hustler Magazine Story

In a different vein, if you are interested in something more risqué, the documentary “Back Issues: Hustler Magazine Story” is about the impact the Hustler porn magazine continues to make, as well as delving into its controversies. Questions regarding free speech and nudity, for example, are explored as former editors, models, and cartoonists, as well as current staff reflect upon one of the most offensive magazines out there.

Amira & Sam

As much as I love watching a solid documentary, I also adore a good romance. Throw in some comedy, some dramatic upset, and a few much-deserved kisses – I’ll be in the front row.

The movie, “Amira & Sam” is about a recent Army vet (Martin Starr) struggling to reconnect with the America he left, while trying out stand up comedy. Meanwhile, Amira (Dina Shihabi), who escaped from Iraq after U.S. soldiers killed her brother, is now an illegal immigrant living with her uncle in New York City. Amira’s uncle knew Sam during the war (as Sam’s interpreter) and asks Sam to keep an eye on her while he is out of town.

For the remainder of the story, the interactions between Sam and Amira grow, despite all of their differences in the political as well as personal realm as they face their struggles while falling in love.

East Side Sushi

Now, I am a big fan of sushi – and when I saw that there was a movie called “East Side Sushi” on the roster, my stomach growled.

This film is about Juana, who begins to work as a kitchen assistant in a local Japanese restaurant after being forced to leave her previous fruit cart job. She quickly falls in love with the sight, taste, and methods of sushi making as she secretly watches the sushi chefs roll up their food magic bites.

Soon, as Juana becomes more vocal about wanting to also create sushi, she is met with doubt and pushback due to her race and gender. Undeterred, she is resolute in following her dream to become a sushi chef; I know I always love watching the underdog as they navigate their way towards success.

Hank and Asha

Lastly, I love a good love story set in modern times. The use of Skype and Instant Messaging and all other social media produces more opportunities for people to meet!

In “Hank and Asha,” the two start video messaging after Asha contacts Hank first. She saw a film that Hank made, and reached out. In turn, Hank, who is recovering from a recent break-up, begins to open up with Asha as they continue the video connection tango. Anything can happen; this film certain shows that mere miles cannot compete with feelings of love.

Movie MEMOries

Movietime MEMOries

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  • Movie Memories

Sip, Nosh, Chat, Read & Write!

What’s almost as exciting as viewing a great independent film? Enjoying a delicious cup of specially prepared coffee, savoring a freshly baked pastry, and talking with friends and new acquaintances about that great independent film you were just blown away by! That’s what the staff at BIFF decided! And to take that concept a step further in a fun and totally unique way, the staff created Movietime MEMOries.

This year during BIFF you can stop in anytime at Café Fromage, the erstwhile epicenter of the festival, and take advantage of the opportunity to display what you’ve been conversing about, or maybe just thinking about, on the walls and windows of one of Beloit’s best buzz stops. Share your observations, critiques, anecdotes, likes, dislikes, recommendations, etc. and learn how other festival goers are feeling about their BIFF experience via the magic of one of our culture’s most effective, and charming, modes of communication: The Post-It Note!

BIFF Movietime MEMOriesPost-It Notes

Throughout the festival, visitors to Café Fromage will be provided with a variety of Post-It Note memo pads and pens/pencils. They will be encouraged to jot down an inventive description of their BIFF adventure; comments about films they’ve seen, recommendations for film choices, paeans to the city of Beloit, its outstanding citizens and user-friendly establishments, the weather, and their thoughts on the Packers’ victory in Superbowl XLIX!!

They can then post their Post-Its on the walls and windows of Café Fromage so others can enjoy the jewels of jocularity and pearls of profundity that will most certainly emerge from the always erudite and eternally entertaining BIFF festival audiences!!

#biffmemo

BIFF Marketing Czarina, Kristin Peterson, will then choose the MOST entertaining and informative of these MEMOries and expose them on all of the BIFF social networking sites. Go to the BIFF website, BIFF Facebook site, or BIFF Twitter (#biffmemo) feed and you could very well see your MEMOry being shared with the entire BIFF nation!

If words are not your thing, draw your thoughts! If math and science turn you on, post something like the algorithm that got Mark Zuckerberg’s groundbreaking website off the ground. Anything goes with Movietime MEMOries! BUT…refrain from the profane! All naughty Post-Its will be taken down immediately…and delivered to the Executive Director, who will REALLY enjoy them!!

Cafe’ Fromage

It’s all happening at Café Fromage, which will, along with the Cheese People of Beloit, house the BIFF box office, as well as a second floor screening venue. It will be one of THE places to be throughout the festival. It’s a cafe inspired by cheese and coffee. Serving a variety of coffee drinks, delicious sandwiches and bakery items made from scratch in their kitchen!

Café Fromage
431 E Grand Ave
Beloit, Wisconsin
(608) 312-2070
thecheesepeoplebeloit.com

Be sure to join in the fun that is Movietime MEMOries! Your participation will not only be entertaining and informative. It could make you a social network sensation!!

Visit Beloit BIFF Weekend Getaway

Visit Beloit BIFF Weekend Getaway!

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Enter to win!

Ironworks Hotel RoomPackage Includes:

Entries will be accepted until February 11th, and we will be choosing our winner on the 13th.

Sorry, the time to register has expired. Good luck to those that registered in time!

Ironworks Hotel

 

Merrill & Houston's Steak Joint

Shrek BIFF Outdoors

Shrek | New Zion Baptist Church Sept. 6th

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BIFF and New Zion Baptist Church Present “Shrek,” September 6th

The Beloit International Film Festival, in cooperation with New Zion Baptist Church and the First National Bank and Trust Company, continues the BIFF Outdoors summer series on Saturday, September 6th with the Dreamworks classic, “Shrek.” The film is rated PG.

Saterday, September 6th, 2014
7:45 PM
New Zion Baptist Church (1905 Mound Avenue Beloit)

New Zion Baptist ChurchWhen a green ogre called Shrek discovers his swamp has been ‘swamped’ with all sorts of fairytale creatures by the scheming Lord Farquaad, Shrek sets out, with a very loud donkey by his side, to ‘persuade’ Farquaad to give his swamp back. This film is the first installment of one of the most successful animation franchises in motion picture history and a perfect centerpiece for a gathering of friends and family.

NOTE: The rain date for this event will be Sunday, September 7th, same time, same location. The next BIFF Outdoors event will occur on September 26th at Beloit College when the featured film will be “Toy Story 3.”

BIFF Outdoors

BIFF Outdoors is a program designed to provide free outdoor screenings of popular and classic films in the Stateline area. The schedule of upcoming outdoor film events can be found at beloitfilmfest.org. All presentations begin after dusk.

BIFF Outdoors is presented by the Beloit International Film Festival and sponsored by the First National Bank and Trust Co. Additional support is provided by Voigt Music and Finley Dencker Buick-GMC.

The Beloit International Film Festival is sponsored by the Hendricks Group in association with Beloit College and with funding from Visit Beloit. It is supported and underwritten by many local businesses, organizations and individuals. For more information, go to beloitfilmfest.org

About First National Bank and Trust:

First National Bank & TrustFirst National Bank and Trust Company is a family-owned, community bank headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin. Chartered in 1882, First National Bank and Trust Company now serves more than 27,000 households in 9 communities and 12 locations in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois with assets of approximately $850 million. Commitment to full service banking, investments, wealth management, mortgage lending, exceptional service and Sound Advice has positioned First National Bank and Trust Company as a Stateline leader in the industry. For additional information,
visit www.bankatfirstnational.com

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3 | Beloit College Sept. 26th

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BIFF and Beloit College Present “Toy Story 3,” September 26th

The Beloit International Film Festival, in cooperation with Beloit College and the First National Bank and Trust Company, continues the BIFF Outdoors summer series on Friday, September 26th with the Disney/Pixar blockbuster, “Toy Story 3.” The film is rated PG.

Friday, September 26th, 2014
7:15 PM
Beloit College quad area, (intersection of College St. & Clary St.)

Beloit CollegeWoody, Buzz and the whole gang are back. As their owner Andy prepares to depart for college, his loyal toys find themselves in daycare where untamed tots with their sticky little fingers do not play nice. So, it’s all for one and one for all as they join Barbie’s counterpart Ken, a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear to plan their great escape.

This is the highest grossing animated film of all time and the perfect reason to venture onto Beloit’s beautiful college campus for an autumn evening of fun with family, friends and community.

NOTE: The rain date for this event will be Saturday, September 27th, same time, same location.

BIFF Outdoors

BIFF Outdoors is a program designed to provide free outdoor screenings of popular and classic films in the Stateline area. The schedule of upcoming outdoor film events can be found at beloitfilmfest.org. All presentations begin after dusk.

BIFF Outdoors is presented by the Beloit International Film Festival and sponsored by the First National Bank and Trust Co. Additional support is provided by Voigt Music and Finley Dencker Buick-GMC.

The Beloit International Film Festival is sponsored by the Hendricks Group in association with Beloit College and with funding from Visit Beloit. It is supported and underwritten by many local businesses, organizations and individuals. For more information, go to beloitfilmfest.org

About First National Bank and Trust:

First National Bank & TrustFirst National Bank and Trust Company is a family-owned, community bank headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin. Chartered in 1882, First National Bank and Trust Company now serves more than 27,000 households in 9 communities and 12 locations in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois with assets of approximately $850 million. Commitment to full service banking, investments, wealth management, mortgage lending, exceptional service and Sound Advice has positioned First National Bank and Trust Company as a Stateline leader in the industry. For additional information,
visit www.bankatfirstnational.com

Pixar's Up

Pixar’s “Up” | Pohlman Field Aug. 24th

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BIFF and Beloit Snappers Present “Up” At Pohlman Field, August 24, 2014

The Beloit International Film Festival, with the help of the Beloit Snappers and the First National Bank and Trust Company, continues the BIFF Outdoors summer series on Sunday, August 24th with the Disney/Pixar classic, “Up.” The film is rated PG.

Sunday, August 24th, 2014
8:15 PM
Pohlman Field, (Telfer Park, 2100 Cranston Rd. Beloit)

“Up” is the story of Carl and Russell and their amazing adventure. By tying thousands of balloons to his home, 78-year-old Carl sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years younger, inadvertently becomes a stowaway. It’s a journey that will capture the imaginations of both young and old, and a perfect film event with which to celebrate the end of a great summer season.

Beloit Snappers BaseballPohlman Field is the home of the Beloit Snappers, a Class An affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. The BIFF inflatable screen will be positioned on the ball diamond so filmgoers can watch from the ballpark grandstand.

NOTE: The rain date for this event will be Monday, August 25th, same time, same location.

BIFF Outdoors

BIFF Outdoors is a program designed to provide free outdoor screenings of popular and classic films in the Stateline area. The schedule of upcoming outdoor film events can be found at beloitfilmfest.org. All presentations begin after dusk.

BIFF Outdoors is presented by the Beloit International Film Festival and sponsored by the First National Bank and Trust Co. Additional support is provided by Voigt Music and Finley Dencker Buick-GMC.

The Beloit International Film Festival is sponsored by the Hendricks Group in association with Beloit College and with funding from Visit Beloit. It is supported and underwritten by many local businesses, organizations and individuals. For more information, go to beloitfilmfest.org

About First National Bank and Trust:

First National Bank & TrustFirst National Bank and Trust Company is a family-owned, community bank headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin. Chartered in 1882, First National Bank and Trust Company now serves more than 27,000 households in 9 communities and 12 locations in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois with assets of approximately $850 million. Commitment to full service banking, investments, wealth management, mortgage lending, exceptional service and Sound Advice has positioned First National Bank and Trust Company as a Stateline leader in the industry. For additional information,
visit www.bankatfirstnational.com

Frozex

Frozen | BIFF Outdoors FREE Kick-off Event

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Thursday, June 3rd, 2014
9:15 p.m. (dusk)
Riverside Park Beloit

Join us for BIFF’s first 2014 outdoor event on the Big Lawn at Riverside Park in Beloit, WI. We will be screening the megahit “Frozen” as the first feature film in the summer series line-up! It’s the story of the fearless optimist, Anna, her hero Kristoff, and the hilarious snowman, Olaf, all trying to save their kingdom from eternal winter. The Oscar-winning soundtrack will make for an instant sing-a-long!! Great fun for the entire family!!

This event is FREE and is brought to you by First National Bank & Trust and by the City of Beloit Parks and Leisure Services Department. Please come out and be sure to bring a lawn chair and a *light* blanket. The weather won’t be nearly as frigid as it is in the movie!!

First National Bank & Trust

Beloit Parks and Leisure Services

(Additional support provided by Finley Dencker Buick/GMC and by Voigt Music. In case of rain, the event will move to the Edwards Ice Arena in Telfer Park, 2101 Cranston Rd, Beloit, WI.)

Finley Denckervoigt-music

ALSO:

It’s official…BIFF Outdoors is returning to Old Settlers’ Park in Rockton for a screening of “The Sandlot” on July 26th sponsored by First National Bank & Trust.