Last Saturday my son and I had a full schedule. Not only did we attend the Book Blast at Pioneer Village, we caught a double feature at the Fox Theater: "Madagascar" and "The Wizard of Oz."

What's great about the Book Blast is that kids can write down about 10 books they've read so far this summer, and they get into the event for free. At various spots throughout Pioneer Village, members of the community read books to small groups of kids. At the end of the story, each kid gets a ticket and can enter drawings for prizes at the end. It's pretty exciting when it's prize time!

At the Book Blast, we checked in with friends from work and rode the train. In between stories we mingled among the buildings of Bakersfield past. The weather wasn't as hot as it had been at previous Book Blasts, so everything was quite pleasant.

One of the neatest features of the event was the wandering magician. Several times we'd spotted him doing a show, but usually at the end. Finally we caught him and my son was amazed by the Chains of Doom.

Then we were off to the movies!

Finding parking near the theater was a bit tricky, so I was sure we'd have a hard time finding a seat. However, the air conditioning was broken, which must have deterred some of the crowd.

The house kindly offered a free soda per ticket stub, which went nicely with fresh popcorn - I'd forgotten how delicious theater popcorn can be!

We watched "Madagascar" from the balcony then switched to the first floor to watch "The Wizard of Oz" — and what an experience it was!

Both movies were fun to see in the theater, but "The Wizard of OZ" was magical! The special effects were excellent given the technology of the time, and the editing really is clean. Never before had I seen it on the big screen, and it made such a difference! Most of all, it was really fun to hear the audience around me reacting to the movie. (Plus the couple in front of us shared popsicles they'd brought along - just when I was really wilting!)

At the end of the movie, everyone clapped and it was applause full of excitement and appreciation for having witnessed such iconic American culture on the true silver screen. I am so grateful to have had the chance for Armand to see "The Wizard of Ox" in such a neat theater. Thanks Fox Theater!