The Mayor and City Council celebrate another summer filled with exciting fun and cultural adventures with the Community Services Department’s summer series of events: Around the World in 8 Weeks.

This summer is your opportunity to discover why Fontana was recently named one of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance.

Each summer the City of Fontana Community Services Department brings neighbors together with a series of nightly entertainment that encourages all ages to move, laugh, and enjoy the spirit of summer. This year will be like none other as residents explore the land in search of each new wonder that lies in their very own neighborhood park..

The trek through Fontana and the world begins in North America the week of July 8. Nightly events will include Variety Nights, Family Fun Nights, Concerts in the Park, and Dive-In Movies.

Citizens are invited to join costumed City Staff as they journey to different continental destinations for the evening and turn neighborhood parks into a new cultural play land. Games, crafts, live entertainment, contests, and giveaway items will be offered to all visitors. Citizens are warned to be careful while on their travels, as they may also discover a neighbor’s hidden talents for karaoke, knowledge of trivia, or dancing abilities.

Variety Nights: Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Variety Nights are back on Tuesday nights for free from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Neighborhood parks are about to be transformed into a traveler’s dream as residents discover the incredible recreational programming in Fontana while exploring the cultural highlights of the world continents. Every Tuesday evening, the Community Services Department will visit a different neighborhood park bringing with them a free cultural entertainment package filled with games and fun while enjoying a little continental flair. The journey begins on Tuesday, July 8 in North America then continues every Tuesday to South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and ending in Antarctica.

Keep the 4th of July decorations out as you celebrate a night filled with everything from North America on Tuesday, July 8. Representatives from Fontana’s neighborhood centers will gather at Southridge Park, 14501 Live Oak Avenue for some heavy duty Americana pop culture as well as a little Canadian fun.

On Tuesday, July 15 join Healthy Fontana, Aquatics, and the Miller Fitness Center in Miller Park, 17004 Arrow Boulevard to enjoy a hot night in South America. The community services crew will spice up the night with games, demonstrations, and entertainment.

Tuesday, July 22 will be a night to remember in Rosena Park East, 15299 Curtis Avenue, as the cultural arts program, marketing, and KFON introduce the European Union to the United States. Plenty of costumed representatives from England, France, Germany, Sweden, and more will be on hand to show you a classic European car collection, take your picture near a celebrated point of interest, or entertain you with games on stage.

If you have ever imagined visiting Egypt, Zimbabwe, Kenya or any other African nation Tuesday, July 29 is your chance. Coyote Canyon Park, 5051 Duncan Canyon Road will host the sports program who will bring you to far away lands and a variety of sports programming that are sure to be filled with fun for the family.

On Tuesday, August 5, the Jack Bulik Teen Center and Fontana After School program will take you on a journey to the orient as you celebrate Asia at the Jack Bulik Park, 16581 Filbert Street.

The final Variety Night of the summer will be in Sycamore Hills Park located at 11075 Mayberry Drive. The special events program will deliver a chilling reminder to Fontana residents of why they are the group that throws all the parties. So grab your hat and gloves as you travel to the Antarctic.

Family Fun Nights: Wednesdays 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Make summer the time to take family game night outdoors with the return of the free and popular Family Fun Nights on Wednesdays. The evening events introduce family members to new skills, a little competition, and a lot of fun. Each event is open to the public and all families are encouraged to attend every Wednesday as themes vary but the fun never stops.

Beginning July 9, families will love making and flying kites with Fly a Kite Night at Rosena Park East, 15299 Curtis Avenue. On July 16, everyone will have fun getting each other wet at the Water Fun Night at Oak Park, 14189 Live Oak Avenue. On July 23, families will enjoy a little exercise with family Skate Night at Jack Bulik Park, 16581 Filbert Street. On July 30, Fontana’s Got Talent will have everyone in the crowd and family laughing and having fun in Southridge Park, 14501 Live Oak Avenue. Animal Fun Night follows on August 6 at San Sevaine Park, 5440 Cherry Avenue. On August 13, bring the family and join your neighbors at the Movie in the Park in Miller Park located at 17004 Arrow Boulevard.

Concerts in the Park: Thursdays 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

The tour around the world continues on Thursdays with the Concerts in the Park at the new Miller Amphitheater. Enjoy an acoustic paradise as your ears and imagination take you through the world of Western, African, European, and South American music genres.

Let your feet tap and your body sway to the rhythm as you enjoy the Thursday night Concerts in the Park series at the new Miller Amphitheater located at 17004 Arrow Boulevard. The concerts are open to the public.

The musical world tour begins on Thursday, June 19 with the Salt Creek Band bringing country and western flair to the downtown civic campus. On June 26 residents will enjoy Caribbean and Jamaican sounds with the Productions, Steel Drum Band. On July 10 the Skinny Little Twits will perform music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. On July 17 the Connection the Band will have the crowds dancing the salsa and cha-cha with their Latin tunes. Join us on July 24 when we pay special tribute to Mick and the Boys with Hollywood Stones a Rolling Stones Cover Band. End the month of July with Best of Times a classic rock band. Susie Hansen and the Latin Salsa Band is back again this summer on August 7 followed by the annual, nondenominational local church groups who provide a night filled with inspirational Gospel music.

Dive-In Movies: Fridays 6:30 to 9:00 pm

The Dive-In Movies at the Heritage Pool located at 7350 W. Liberty Parkway offer everyone a chance to cool off from the warm summer heat and discover the all new Heritage Neighborhood Center. The Dive-In Movies offer affordable fun as families get two great deals for less than the price of a movie ticket. Viewers will enjoy an animated trip around the world from a comfortable poolside lounge chair or while swimming in the pool. Admittance fees are $1.50 for swimmers ages 1 to 17 and $3.00 for swimmers 18 and older.

The lineup of movies this summer include a combination of animated hits that celebrate global fun. The first movie Rescuers Down Under on June 20 will take the family to the wonders of the Australian outback. On June 27, travel to the Hawaiian Islands with Lilo and Stitch. On July 11, families will enjoy a tribute to American history with Pocahontas. Visit South America on July 18 with the Emperor’s New Groove. Spend the night in France studying the great chef Gusteau with Ratatouille on July 25. Then, on August 1, learn what it takes to be an African king with The Lion King. Travel to Asia with Mulan on August 8 and join us on August 15 as we end the summer programming in Antarctica with Happy Feet.

4th of July Spectacular: Fontana High School Steeler Stadium

This year’s 4th of July Spectacular will be held at Fontana High School Steeler Stadium. Hundreds of residents participated in last year’s event where there were live performances, magicians, a stilt walker, bouncy castles galore, sky divers, and a dunk-the-mayor booth. This year will be just as fun. Join us. Gates open at 5:00 pm with the event day ticket booth opening at noon at Fontana High School. Tickets are $2.00 per person or $5.00 for a family of four.

For more information about the summer series of events, please call the Special Events Hotline at (909) 428-8360 ext. 222 or visit www.fontanarecreaiton.org.