This is one of the best free family events in August

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Donatos Pizza Family Movie Night featuring "Minions: The Movie"

WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, August 20

WHERE: Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton

INFO: daytondragons.com | Facebook | 937-228-2287 ext. 142

Don't be alarmed if you hear shouts of "BANANA!" coming from Fifth Third Field in August.

The Dayton Dragons, in partnership with Donatos Pizza, are once again hosting the Donatos Pizza Family Movie Night on Saturday, August 20. That's right -- a free movie AND free pizza.

This year's special feature is a showing of  the hilarious “Minions” (rated PG) on the 2,000-square-foot HD video board at Fifth Third Field. The gates for the event open at 6 p.m., with the movie beginning at 8 p.m.  Families are invited to bring a blanket and find a spot on the stadium’s outfield grass and enjoy a night of fun at the ballpark.

It's suggested that large groups should arrive early not only to secure a great spot, but also to enjoy the festivities before the movie begins. Children will get to meet Dragons mascots Heater and Gem, enjoy inflatable games, participate in skits with the Green Team and eat fun ballpark food. Donatos will also be providing one free slice of pizza to each person in attendance (while supplies last).

In order to gain an entry ticket, all fans have to do is order a large pizza from a Dayton-area Donatos location to get information on how to request up to five tickets to Family Movie Night.

I attended last year's Movie Night showing of "The Lego Movie" with my children, and I can assure you that this event is not one to be missed. Kids of all ages will love being on the actual baseball outfield, and the view of the giant HD screen really can't be beat. Plus, we spontaneously met up with friends, so it ended up being like a big backyard party in the coolest yard in Dayton.

Just please leave the cookie robots, fart guns and evil heist plans at home.