Entertainment

PrancerPalooza: Celebrating 35 Years of Holiday Magic

Join the PrancerPalooza festivities as we celebrate 35 years of the beloved holiday classic with screenings, special guests, and community events.

An engaging festive scene depicting families and fans gathered at a holiday event in front of a beautifully decorated venue. Santa Claus is seen interacting with children, surrounded by colorful holiday decorations and lights. In the background, a festive sleigh with live reindeer adds a magical touch to the atmosphere. The image captures the joy and warmth of community during the holiday season, directly reflecting the themes of togetherness and celebration highlighted in the blog post. The lighting is warm and inviting, enhancing the festive mood of the event.

PrancerPalooza: Celebrating 35 Years of Holiday Magic

In an exciting homage to a beloved holiday classic, PrancerPalooza is set to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the film Prancer. This festive event will take place across two beautiful locations: Three Oaks, Michigan, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, and LaPorte, Indiana, on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Fans of the movie are invited to join a heartwarming celebration that encapsulates the spirit of Christmas while contributing to local community initiatives.

A Celebration of Community and Memorable Moments

The event promises to be more than just a movie screening; it is an opportunity for fans, cast members, and the local community to come together, reminisce, and create new memories. Director John Hancock, who brought the enchanting story to life, expresses his excitement about seeing families unite in a beautiful setting, emphasizing that the film’s essence lies in the love and presence of those around us. He shared profound sentiments, stating:

"Prancer embodies the Christmas spirit; it's not about flying reindeer or presents, but the presence of those we love."

This year’s celebration will feature appearances from key cast members, including Rebecca Harrell Tickell, who portrayed Jessica Riggs, Rutanya Alda, who played Jessica's aunt Sarah, and Mark Rolston, who starred as Herb Drier. Their participation offers fans a rare chance to hear firsthand accounts and fascinating tales from their time filming.

Special Guests and Festive Activities

Originally, the festivities were set to include a special guest appearance by Sam Elliott, the film’s leading actor. However, due to an unexpected professional commitment, he has regrettably withdrawn from the celebrations. La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody expressed disappointment but assured attendees that the event remains a special occasion filled with holiday joy:

"While we were sad to hear about Sam Elliott, we still have a great event planned and look forward to commemorating this anniversary with our community."

Among the exciting activities planned, attendees can enjoy performances by Santa Claus and his elves, along with live reindeer, and participate in a lively holiday concert featuring the Sam Fazio Quartet. Other engaging activities include:

  • Photo opportunities with Santa's sleigh
  • An ugly Christmas sweater contest with prizes
  • Giving opportunities to local charities such as the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots

Event Schedule

Doors to the La Porte Civic Auditorium will open at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 15th, with a concert starting at 1:45 p.m., followed by the movie screening at 3 p.m. This carefully curated schedule ensures that family members of all ages can enjoy the magic of Prancer while participating in the festive activities surrounding it.

More Than a Film

Filmed in the picturesque locales of La Porte and Three Oaks, Prancer tells the touching story of a young farm girl who nurses a wounded reindeer, believing it is one of Santa’s, and in doing so, rekindles the holiday spirit in her community and her disheartened father. The film not only captivates its audience but also stands as a reminder of the importance of kindness, hope, and the magic of Christmas.

For more information on event schedules, tickets, and further details, fans can visit laportecivicauditorium.com or vickerstheatre.com.

Join us as we gather to celebrate the timeless message of Prancer and enjoy a wonderful holiday experience with friends, family, and fellow fans in the heart of the holiday season.

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