Fathom Events Present Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory  Returns to Theaters for Two Days Only

Growing up there was one movie that I absolutely loved. I watched it over and over and over again. It was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I dreamed of actually going there and traveling down the chocolate river in a boat, finding the golden ticket and meeting Willy Wonka himself. In fact I still make my hubby laugh when I tell him that I had originally planned to marry Gene Wilder! When I heard that Will Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was going back to the big screen for two nights only, I kind of cleared my calendar asap! This is a movie I have to take my own kids to see on the big screen. Don’t get me wrong, they have seen it a million times with their Momma already. They have also developed their own love of the movie. And I still think there has not been a time up until the present that I have not shed a tear or two when Willy Wonka asked Charlie what happens to the boy who gets everything he’s ever wanted……I won’t spoil my favorite line, just in case you have not seen this precious movie yet. Marvelous Surprises Await as Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Returns to Theaters for Two Days Only. Gene Wilder’s Mesmerizing Performance, Unforgettable Music and Pure Imagination Can Be Experienced on the Big Screen Nationwide June 26 and 29 as part of the TCM Big Screen Classics Series.

So Willy Wonka fans young and old it’s time to hold your breath, make a wish, count to three and visit a world of pure imagination on the silver screen this June as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory returns to cinemas for two special days, 45 years after it first astonished audiences as part of the Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series.

Starring Gene Wilder as famed candy man Willy Wonka, the film transformed Roald Dahl’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory into a motion-picture classic with dreamy landscapes, cleverly choreographed musical numbers and indelible performances. This delicious cinematic confection includes all-new commentary from TCM host Ben Mankiewicz both before and after the feature. As the Golden Ticket itself says, “do not be late,” because there will be four screenings only — two each day, on June 26 and June 29. Sunday, June 26, 2016 -2 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time and Wednesday, Jun 29, 2016 -2 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time.

Follow the five lucky winners of Wonka’s Golden Tickets as they embark on an extraordinary tour of the chocolate factory. There will be little surprises around every corner, but nothing dangerous as Charlie Bucket, Violet Beauregarde, Mike Teevee, Augustus Gloop and Veruca Salt encounter a place where all of their dreams become a reality – and some of their realities become dreams. In addition to Wilder, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory stars Oscar® winner Jack Albertson as Grandpa Joe and, in his only screen appearance, Peter Ostrum as Charlie. Its score by Anthony Newley and Leslie Briscusse includes such essential songs as The Candy Man, Pure Imagination and the Oompa-Loompa songs.

2016 marks 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl – the author of beloved stories such as Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and The BFG. There will be celebrations for Roald Dahl 100 throughout 2016, delivering a year packed with gloriumptious treats and squiffling surprises for everyone. Visit roalddahl.com/roalddahl100usa for more information.

Tickets to TCM Big Screen Classics: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory  can be purchased online from Fathom Events.

The picture below is my own personal stash of Willy Wonka goods!

Disclosure: Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids is a Fathom Events Partner Blog. All opinions are that of Diane and do not reflect upon those of the parent company represented. No compensation was given for this post. Complimentary passes were provided. Contact me at Diane@3decades3kids.net and @3decades3kids across all social media platforms. Snapchat: Threedecades

 

 

 

 

Summer is officially here! Our family looks forward to State Fair Meadowlands every year! It’s a great time to gather up all the friends and family you have in NJ, NYC, PA area and have a down to earth good time. There is something for everyone of every age. My daughter’s favorite is the Pig Race! Every year she is obsessed with being chosen as a cheerleader and every year she DOES get chosen. Maybe because she has the loudest scream and cheer in the crowd. This year she is already gathering up her pom poms in hopes that her pig will win. It hasn’t happened yet, so please send me some good vibes here!! Maybe this will be the year. I will keep you posted after our visit. Also, before you head out please please please check out the days and what is going on during that day. There are special days with special rates and even free parking on some nights. Know before you go! Also, Sunday June 26th the fair is closed, so pick another date! See you at State Fair Meadowlands!! Tweet me when you are there @3decades3kids.

State Fair Meadowlands, the largest fair in the New York metro area with over 150 rides and attractions, will celebrate 30 years of operation this summer, running for 17 days from June 23 through July 10 at the State Fair Meadowlands Fairgrounds, next to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
 
The fair – featuring acres and acres of delicious food, white-knuckle rides and world-class family entertainment – will kick off with a special “Throwback Thursday” preview night on June 23. Throwback Thursday celebrates the fair’s opening in 1986 with a bargain handstamp, for both admission and rides of just $19.86 (non-handstamp entry price is $7 for adults, $5 for children). Friday, June 24 is Dollar Day, with admission $10 for all ages, and just $2 each for rides, food, games, select food and drinks and parking. Families also won’t want to miss other bargain days, including Kids Go Free and Cheap Cheap Night.
 
“To commemorate 30 years of happiness and fun, this year we are bringing in electrifying new acts, as well as beloved favorites,” said Al Dorso, president of State Fair Meadowlands. “We are proud to present, for the first time, our headline show – the spectacular new High Dive Act. Watch courageous, death-defying daredevils as they dive from dizzying heights into a shallow pool of water. That’s one splash you won’t want to miss!”  
 
The following entertainment is FREE with fair entry ticket.

• High Dive Act – If you’ve ever wondered what an Olympic diver does for a living when he’s not at the Olympics, wonder no more: These elegant, powerful divers will shock and amaze as they soar from an 85-foot platform into a pool of just 10 feet. Performing twice daily on weekdays and three times daily on weekends and July 4.
• The Great American Thrill Show – an open-air performance of gymnastic acrobats and aerialists, dazzling audiences on the high wire and 90-foot sway pole; performing twice daily on weekdays and three times daily on weekends and July 4.
• The Racing Pigs – back by popular demand for their 28th year. Throw your arms in the air and cheer them on as they rip up their real piggy racetrack! Performing four times on weekdays and five times on weekends and July 4.
• Master Hypnotist Steve Bayner – this phenomenal hypnotist manages to be silly and amazing at the same time; take your chances and get up on stage with him! On the Main Stage daily.  Times to be announced.
• Live Concerts on the American Stage, including Trixter, an 80s & 90s band, on June 23; RIFF, the band best-known for its music in films such as Lean On Me, on June 24; Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot, featuring members of Billy Joel’s band, on June 28; Rubix Kube, the #1, 80’s tribute act, on June 30; Epoch Failure on July 2; Manny Cabo, NJ native from NBC’s The Voice, on July 3; Chase Bryant, July 7, a solo country artist who has hit #4 on the Billboard charts, and was named by Rolling Stone as one of “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know”; and Constantine Maroulis, a New Jerseyan known for American Idol, Broadway’s Rock of Ages and The Wedding Singer, on July 9.
• Educational Petting Zoo – kids will love getting up close and personal with animals of the world; a perfect spot for ridiculous selfies! Open to the public throughout the fair (rides on the elephant are an extra fee). 

State Fair Meadowlands also features over 50 exciting rides and the largest Kiddieland in New Jersey. A family favorite, the Sky Ride, is back this year, providing sky-high views of the fair and NYC skyline, and for Batman fans, the Batcopter will provide rides with panoramic views of the fair in the original helicopter from the 1966 TV series.  
 
State Fair Meadowlands occupies over 35 acres of fairgrounds plus parking. Fair hours are Monday through Thursday, 6 pm to midnight; Fridays 6 pm to 1 am; Saturdays 2 pm to 1 am; Sundays 2 pm to midnight. This year, the fair will hold a Preview Night on Thursday, June 23, with Throwback Admission/Ride Handstamp, from 6 pm to midnight. Dollar Day is Friday, June 24, from 5 pm to 1 am. On Sunday, July 3, the fair is open 2 pm to 1 am; on Monday, July 4 from 2 pm to 1 am. Don’t miss Kids Go Free Night, on Wednesday, June 29, open 4 pm to midnight, and Cheap Cheap Night, on Wednesday, July 6, from 4 pm to midnight. The fair is closed to the public on Sunday, June 26.
 
Parking is free Monday through Wednesday, and $5 Thursdays through Sundays, plus Throwback Thursday, June 23, and on July 4. On Dollar Day, Friday, June 24, parking is just $2. The fair will again be offering free shuttle buses from/to Secaucus Junction; details to come. Visit www.njfair.com for information about the event, Bargain Days and to buy Advance Sale Tickets.

GIVEAWAY: Enter to win a 4pack of tickets (two lucky readers will each win a 4pack of one day entry tickets).

1. Enter by leaving a comment below: What do you like about State Fair Meadowlands?

2. Like the picture of State Fair on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/3decades3kids/

3. Tweet this: I want to win tickets to @SFmeadowlands from @3decades3kids

4. Like and comment on Instagram under this photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/BHAAXHioJ-8/?taken-by=3decades3kids

5. Follow us on Snapchat: ThreeDecades

Do ANY or ALL of the above to enter the giveaway. This giveaway ends June 24th at 11:59pm. Winner will be alerted on June 25th. If you live close I can drop off tickets, if they have to be mailed I will mail them ASAP on the 25th. Good Luck! USA only/18+. Winner will receive 4 one day admission tickets. Does not include parking/food/rides.

Giveaway ended: Winners notified.

Disclosure: Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids is a State Fair Meadowlands partner blog. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan and do not reflect the opinions of the partner company. No compensation was given for this post. Giveaway/Visiting tickets provided by @SFmeadowlands. Contact me at diane@3decades3kids.net and @3decades3kids across all social media platforms. Snapchat: ThreeDecades

 

Field Station Dinosaurs Now Open In #NEW New Jersey Location! @Jerseysaurus

 

Our family loves dinosaurs and has enjoyed visiting Field Station Dinosaurs over the past few years. If you have not heard, Field Station Dinosaurs has changed its location to a different part of New Jersey. It’s not too far from the original location or NYC and easy to get to. We took the kids and headed to the new location to check it out last weekend.

Now located at Overpeck County Park, Bergen County, NJ, Field Station: Dinosaurs is back with a new home and pre-summer ticket prices starting at $15.00 for the 2016 season!  Dinosaur fans have until June 30 to take advantage of Field Station: Dinosaurs’ new low price ticket packages before summer ticket pricing begins on July 1.  Remember, you can Buy Now, Explore Later! Summer ticket pricing will be $17.50 for Day Pass, $22.50 for Explorer’s Pass and $42.50 for Commander’s Pass.  All other pricing, including the new 3D movie ($5.00), the Paleo Lab ($10.00) and Season Pass ($60.00) will remain the same.  Group discounts are available on select passes.

 So, if you are wondering what is different about the new location, I have some news. There are a few changes. The park is not as big as it was in the last location. It’s still the same amount of fun and all of your favorite dinosaurs are there, but the park goes in a complete circle now, minus the hills. Everything is super easy to find and it’s not as tiring on little legs in the hot sun. There is also a dinosaur fossil station that is available for an extra fee. You child can uncover a fossil and take it home. It’s a great activity. There are fun shows that also teach kids (and parents_ important facts about dinosaurs, and they take you out of the sun for a little bit. Please remember that this is an outdoor park so you may want to remember sunscreen and an umbrella to shade the family. If you do want a break there is a great snack station where you can dine out of the sun on burgers, hot dogs, pretzels and more. There are also a lot of ice cold choices frozen treats!

After an exhaustive search for a new home from one end of New Jersey to the other, and reviewing potential locations in other states, the incredibly popular Field Station: Dinosaurs will pitch its Commander’s tent and their assemblage of dinosaurs at Bergen County’s Overpeck County Park.  The park was found to be the most suitable location and the perfect setting for continuing the Field Station’s mission of both educating and entertaining families.  The 2016 season will be the beginning of an expansive overall plan that will make the park bigger and better than ever before.

So grab your family and get outside. This is definitely a trip where your kids will never even know they are learning and just think they are having tons of fun. My daughter’s first stop is always the dig site. It’s a fun place where you can grab some shovels and brushes and uncover some dino bones! Field Station: Dinosaurs is a world-class family attraction that combines cutting-edge science with the creative minds of great artists and teachers to create a one-of-kind experience that’s thrilling, educational and fun. Over thirty life-sized, realistic dinosaurs  come to life thanks to the brilliant engineering of the world’s leading roboticists and the imagination of our artists. Scientists from the New Jersey State Museum have worked to ensure that the exhibition encompasses the latest theories and discoveries in the fields of paleontology, geology, and environmental studies but at the center of it all is the fun, the joy and the wonder of dinosaurs.

Tickets are available online at www.FieldStationDinosaurs.com and by phone at 855-999-9010.  The park is open from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM through June 26 on Saturdays and Sundays, and from June 28 through September 4 from Tuesdays through Sundays and Labor Day.  Season passes and add-ons for access to all of the park’s programming and activities are also available.

Giveaway: Field Station Dinosaurs was kind enough to send one lucky 3decades3kids reader to the park for the day! Winner will be chosen on June 27th at 11:59pm and notified the following day. Winner has 24 hours to respond to email and claim prize before a new winner is chosen. Prize consists of 4 one day tickets. Tickets will be delivered via the box office at the Field Station Dinosaurs site. 18+/USA. Must live or be visiting the area. Tickets expire after 7/15/2016

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids is a Field Station Dinosaurs partner blog. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan and do not reflect the opinions of the parent company being represented. This is an unsponsored post. Complimentary passes were provided in order to facilitate this review. Contact me at Diane@3decades3kids.net and @3decades3kids across social media platforms. Snapchat: ThreeDecades