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Community Corner

Grab 'n Go Kids Planner: Movie Panda, Peter Pan, and Books For the Silver Screen

The school year is winding down, and we've got the perfect recipe for your almost-summer kickoff this weekend.

Where/When: El Camino Real and Main Street, Old Town Tustin. Sunday, June 5, 11-5:30 p.m.

Why Go: The 27th annual Tustin Chili Cook Off is one of the most anticipated family events in Orange County. Kick off the summer by tasting chili from professional and amateur cooks fromo all over the area and then vote for your favorite. Street fair also includes craft booths, vendors, entertainment, kids carnival, live music, a watermelon eating contest, wine booths, sports zone and more.

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Pricing: Free admission; $1 per cup of chili, other food available for nominal fee.

FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT GREAT PARK

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Where/When: Great Park of Irvine, Sand Canyon and  the 5 freeway. Saturday, June 4, 8:15 p.m.

Why Go: In the good ol’ days, the family piled in the station wagon and headed down to the drive-in movies on Saturday night. Now, the Great Park of Irvine offers a similar movie experience under the stars. With Kung Fu Panda 2 in theaters, relieve the fun of the first movie, featuring the lovable Panda Po, voiced by movie star Jack Black.  Bring your lawn chairs and the whole family for this entertaining flick (rated PG) on the big screen.

Pricing: FREE

PETER PAN PLAY

Where/When: Wood Canyon Elementary School, 23431 Knollwood Ave, Aliso Viejo. Friday, June 3, 7 p.m., Saturday, June 4, 7 p.m. or Sunday, June 5, 2 p.m.

Why Go: The Acting Academy for Kids has partnered with the Ladera Ranch Education Foundation to put on a dazzling, entertaining  play for the community. Relive this childhood favorite with your own children. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Ladera Ranch Education Foundation.

Pricing: Tickets range from$15 to 40, depending on seating. See website for more info.

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE KICK OFF

Where/When: Borders bookstore, 22372 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita. Saturday, June 4, 2 p.m.

Why Go: Kick off the summer reading challenge at this fun event, which features everything Judy Moody. The popular children’s book has been made into a movie, Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer, opening in theaters June 10. This event is geared toward kids 8-12.

Pricing: FREE                                                                                                                                                                         

LIGHT OF CHRIST PRESCHOOL CARNIVAL

Where/When: Light of Christ Lutheran Preschool, 18182 Culver Drive, Irvine. Saturday, June 4, 10-1 p.m.

Why Go: Support this school during their special fundraiser event, an "All American Day” themed carnival. Games, booths, food, prizes, raffles, live entertainment, a fire truck and police cars are all included in this fun morning for the whole family.

Pricing: Varies for game booths and food; proceeds go to school.

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