4th Annual Summer Nights at the Museum Grand Finale Concludes In the 20th Century

Three night series adventure ends at River Crossroads 7 p.m. Aug. 7, 2014

The Museum of South Texas History completes its fourth annual Summer Nights at the Museum at 7 p.m. on Aug. 7. The adventure ends at the River Crossroads section of the signature exhibition, Rio Grande Legacy. During the last night of the three-part series, the spotlight will shine on 20th century history and include the puppet show “I Used to Be a Star,” a quest game for children, historical costumed interpreters and hands-on activities — buttery show treat and cookies by Sweet & Tasty Bakery of McAllen included. The night will conclude with a prize drawing for the evening’s winning game card. To enhance the experience, all adventurers are invited to dress in their favorite 20th century costume. Cinemark Theatres, featuring locations in Edinburg and throughout the Valley, is pleased to support the grand finale by awarding the summer’s grand prize of a family 5-pack of movie passes, refillable cups and popcorn tub.

The third Summer Night will kick off promptly at 7 p.m. with a puppet show tied to 20th century history. Adventurers will want to ensure they arrive on time to get their seats — and treats — before show time. Following the puppet show, children will receive a game card to begin playing FIND ME IF YOU CAN. This night’s game will be a quest to find the artifacts and images that inspired the puppet characters Chalmers the tractor, Lizzie the Model-T and Lionel the train, with a prize awarded at the end of the night for one completed game card. Events highlighted will include the Mexican Revolution, the introduction of the “Tin Lizzie,” World War II and postwar years.

While children are on their quest, the museum will come to life. Historical costumed interpreters will talk about and demonstrate their everyday life, providing adventurers with a unique experience through hands-on activities including early 3D viewing fun with a stereoscope, testing an irrigation system and scanning the horizon through a German submarine periscope. Venture outside and have fun with activities that revolve around parachutes, Whirly Birds, hula hoops and more. Enjoy the music played by 1950s historical characters as they spin tunes on a record player. Adventurers that have attended the previous two Summer Nights should be sure to attend this night as there is not only a prize for the evening’s winning game card but completed game cards from all three nights will also be entered into a drawing for a grand prize of a night at the movies, courtesy of Cinemark Theatres.

Admission to Summer Nights at the Museum is the regular admission price, passes excluded: $7 adults (ages 18 ); $5 seniors with ID (ages 62 ), students with ID (ages 13 ); $4 children ages 4 to 12; free, children ages 3 and under. As a participating museum in Blue Star Museums, all active duty military personnel and up to five family members receive free admission to the Summer Nights at the Museum event series. Purchase a FRIENDship and not only receive a 10% discount in the Museum Store but also attend this Summer Nights at the Museum — and more — for FREE. This Aug. 7, come dressed as a time traveler and enjoy a new puppet show, complimentary popcorn, Sweet & Tasty Bakery cookies, FIND ME IF YOU CAN children’s game, hands-on activities, interacting with costumed historical characters, shopping in the Museum Store and more — including a grand prize courtesy of Cinemark Theatres that will provide entertainment fun for the whole family.