Final campus summer BBQ and drive-in movie is “Alexander” Aug. 13

Families from the local community gathered in the parking lot of Penn State New Kensington July 16 for the
showing of "Big Hero Six."  The next free movie and BBQ is "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good,
Very Bad Day” at 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 13.

Event begins at 8 p.m. in Athletics Center parking lot

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- Penn State New Kensington’s “Summer BBQ and Drive-in Movie” night series concludes Thursday, Aug. 13, with “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” on the big screen in the campus’ Athletics Center parking lot. The BBQ starts at 8 p.m., and the family-oriented Disney flick premieres at 9 p.m.

If the capricious western Pennsylvania weather does not cooperate, the movie will relocate inside the Athletics Center where it will still be shown on a big screen.

The movie is free to the public. The BBQ sandwiches are free to campus students and $5 for the general public.

Geared to the local community, the drive-in concept is in keeping with Chancellor Kevin Snider’s vision of bringing together the campus and community. More than 175 people attended the July film, “Big Hero Six.”

“We have had two great drive in movies for the community, and we are hoping the third movie this summer will bring the community out again,” said Lauren Blum, assistant to the director of student affairs. “Our campus loves opening our doors to those in the community, and these family friendly drive in's have offered a great chance to bring people together at Penn State New Kensington.”

The movie’s plot follows a day in a life of Alexander, an ordinary 11-year-old boy. On the eve of his 12th birthday, Alexander wakes up with gum stuck in his hair, followed by more calamities. However, he finds little sympathy from his family and begins to wonder if bad things only happen to him. His mom, dad, brothers and sister all find themselves living through their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

The 2014 box-office hit is based on a 1972 children's book of the same name by Judith Viorst and Ray Cruz's.

For more information, call 724-334-6063.

Alexander and his family will be at Penn State New Kensington in August 13.