Shoreview 3-year-old Eleanor Tullidge can’t normally attend Movie in the Park at Waterside Place.
“We’re up here at the playground all the time, but movie night is a little past her bedtime,” mom Amanda Tullidge said.
An exception was made on Feb. 9 because the movie was “Frozen.”
“She brought her dress with her, and we’ve got multiple backup “Frozen” outfits just in case she needs to do an outfit change,” Tullidge said.
The 3-year-old squealed in delight at the sight of the Anna and Elsa characters roaming the park and she gleefully danced away after meeting them.
She was not alone. Miniature Annas and Elsas ran around Waterside Park with their faces painted and princess capes trailing behind.
Movie in the Park is a partnership between Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and Grace Community Church that’s held the second Friday of every month.
Lakewood Ranch set up a row of inflatables, and the church brought a face painter and 40 boxes of pizza.
On a chilly evening, about 600 people set up blankets and chairs to enjoy the movie and the pre-show of a gorgeous sunset over Kingfisher Lake.
One family brought a cake as Luke Anderson celebrated his fourth birthday under the stars.
Anna and Elsa walk their fans over to a better photo spot. The sisters were mobbed with hugs the minute they arrived.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Eleanor Tullidge, 4, is donning an Elsa T-shirt now, but the superfan brought backup "Frozen" outfits and a costume in case she changes her mind as the night continues.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Greyhawk Landing residents Gabriella and Isabella Cardoso, 7-year-old twins, are among the first in line to get their faces painted to match the "Frozen" theme.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Nancy and Dave Rocks hand out candy and waters at one of the Grace Community Church tents.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Elijah Pan, 2, hasn't had his face painted yet, but he's tried both the pizza and cotton candy.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Lakewood Ranch residents Elizabeth Condon and Emma Johnson stroll the park with their cotton candy.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
It's been a while since Iris and Elle Morrow have been to a Movie in the Park, but "Frozen" is a can't miss for these Lakewood Ranch residents.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Twins Olin and Arleana Croce, 2, are painted to look like Sven and Anna from "Frozen."
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Brianna Hilliard, 11, brings blankets and Squishmallows to stay warm and cozy through the movie.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Luke Anderson celebrates his fourth birthday with his mom Bobbi Anderson.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Hundreds of people attend Movie in the Park at Waterside Place on Feb. 9.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
A row of inflatables keeps the crowd busy before the movie starts.
Lesley Dwyer is a staff writer for East County and a graduate of the University of South Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical writing, she freelanced for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Lesley has lived in the Sarasota area for over 25 years.
