It was a chance to stuff the old picnic basket and spend an evening singing along with more than 4,000 neighbors under the stars.
But there is much more than music and the Starlight Bowl planned for this summer in Burbank.
There are swing nights with free dance lessons every Thursday through August on the AMC Walkway, movie nights at the Burbank Town Center on Wednesdays and concerts and Shakespeare at the city's libraries.
With high gasoline prices and travel costs, today's families are constantly seeking fun things to do on a budget. And the city has come to their rescue with activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family for free or nominal fees.
After a busy year of getting youngsters to and from school as well as to soccer practice, dance rehearsals and music lessons, summer offers more time to interact in laid-back activities or those that encourage adventure.
Some folks who have never taken a dance lesson are able to do it for free. And those who aren't quite ready for the challenge can watch safely from their beach chairs. It's reality TV in your own neighborhood.
Parents can pack up the strollers and take their children for a night of entertainment, food and fun. It gives them a chance to socialize with friends they graduated from high school with or neighbors they haven't seen in a while.
Youngsters can meet their friends from school or make new acquaintances at the park events and compete in potato-sack races with siblings or their parents.
And seniors are inspired to enjoy the park and other facilities while people-watching.
Events like these are what makes Burbank a great place to live.
Fond memories come from fun times shared with family, and they're the ones that last a lifetime.
