As a child, most of my peers and I did not leave for vacation during spring break. While most of us did not internalize negative feelings by staying home, young people now lead lives immersed in social media and technology, which can complicate experiential perceptions. Therefore, spring break can feel particularly boring for children who do not vacation, causing them also to feel left out of opportunities for fun and, in some cases, diminishing their self-esteem. Recognizing the needs of those young people to be included and enjoy safe fun, several local organizations, businesses, and individuals came together to offer the 2024 Spring Break Free Movie Festival.
Bristow Community Center, in partnership with its cosponsors Bristow Social Services, Bristow Indian Community Center, La Fayette Enterprises, LLC, and Rocking TA Ranch, offered area young people three days of fun through socialization and movies with snacks—all for free. Beginning Monday, March 18, and ending Wednesday, March 20, sponsors invited young people to join them for snacks, activities, and movies from 10:30 a.m. each day til 2 p.m. or at such time the movies ended.
Movies featured throughout the free festival included several short films, “Dumbo” directed by Tim Burton, and Disney Pixar’s “Cars” trilogy. Attendees enjoyed the films as laughter, giggles, and other reactions periodically emanated from the viewing area of the center. All attendees received snacks such as popcorn and cookies as well as freshly grilled hot dogs, chips, and their choices of beverages, including bottled water, juice, and canned sodas.
Additionally, Muscogee Creek Nation’s Center for Victim Services provided youth attendees with brochures about its services, water bottles, Tangle fidget toys, and lip moisturizers. Recipients appeared grateful for the goodies and snacks.
As for the sponsors, Melvin Taylor, Bristow Community Center board member, and Excell La Fayette, Jr. of La Fayette Enterprises, LLC, noted that the groups desired to offer community youth a positive, safe, and inclusive experience this spring break. On behalf of the center’s board, Taylor stated that their commitment to the community led them to serve the community’s young people in this way. He expressed their hope and generosity through service by welcoming each attendee with a kind smile and sweetly sincere “Welcome! Please join us. It’s great to have you.”
La Fayette, Jr., discussed the importance of the Bristow Community Center as an affordable, accessible local venue for the entire community to utilize. Noting the center’s age of around 60 years, he and Taylor also noted the center’s earlier expansions, remodeling, and current renovations, including bathroom and roofing updates. They hope that the community feels welcomed to attend center events and to utilize the center as a venue when needed or desired. Their message was one of hope and generosity as all cosponsors shared in their commitment to serving and supporting the community.
For more information about Bristow Community Center, contact the board at 918-698-5553.