The Athena Cinema to host the annual Holiday Film Series and Canned Food Drive at The Ridges

The Athena Cinema’s eleventh annual Holiday Film Series and Canned Food Drive will bring Christmas Classics to the big screen, only this year in a new setting. With the temporary closure of the Athena Cinema, the main holiday event will take place at The Ridges on Sunday, Dec. 3. The Ridges event will bring together live music, horse-drawn wagon rides and the holiday classic “Elf.”

The only admission fee is a canned food donation, or monetary donation, that will go to the Athens Food Pantry.

Over the past 10 years, the Holiday Film Series has raised 7,302 pounds of non-perishable food donations and around $5,398 in cash donations for the Athens Food Pantry, while providing 5,642 attendees low-cost, holiday entertainment.

Attendees may bring in donations and pick up tickets to the movie ahead of time during the Athena lobby hours Tuesday-Friday noon to 2 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday 4 to 9 p.m. or online.

The schedule of events for Dec. 3 include:

Noon to 4 p.m. - Take a ride with John Hutchison and his beautiful Percheron horses while he shares information about the history of The Ridges. Just the sounds of the jingle bells and hooves on the bricks will put you in the holiday mood.

12:30 p.m. - Join us for a performance from the Ohio University Trombone Choir.

1 and 3 p.m. - The holiday favorite, “Elf” will be screened two times to ensure that everyone will have a chance to laugh out loud to this cheerful comedy.

On Saturday, Dec. 23, the Athena Cinema will also show a screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 5 p.m. at The Ridges.

The purpose of the Holiday Series initiative is to give back to the greater Athens community and families in need during the season. All students, faculty, staff and area residents are invited to support the initiative and enjoy a fun holiday event with family and friends.

Further information and movie trailers can be found on the Athena Cinema website at http://athenacinema.com/holidayseries/