NATCHEZ — Ferriday’s Arcade Theater offers movies for the whole family, refreshments and enrichments programs. Oh, and all of it is free.

The Arcade Theater is having a summer program for children of the area through Aug. 7.

“In the summer, there are not a lot of activities for kids to do,” said Judith Bingham, director of the Delta Music Museum. “So the museum likes to offer free admission shows for the youth this time of year.”

The theater offers a chance for local children to get out of the sun.

“I like to come out to watch because it makes my day fun,” said William Madison, 7, who was visiting for his first time. “I’ll come back.”

It is also in a convenient spot for the children to relieve their boredom.

“It is nice to have a theater here in Ferriday,” Michael Tennessee Jr., 7, said. “So that I don’t have to go to one that is far away.”

Wednesday, the theater was showing “The Crusader.”

“It is interesting that he went back in time.” Jessica Jackson, 13, said. “It’s funny.”

The movie was somewhat of a mood elevator for some.

“It makes me happy.” Derrick Sheppard, 8, said.

The theater also offers enrichment programs, where volunteers speak to the children.

Wednesday, Diane Watson from the Ferriday Garden Club, did a presentation on the U.S. Flag.

“It is the most recognized flag in the world. Many don’t know about it, so we are going to give them a history about the flag,” Watson said. “We will also explain the significance of the pledge of allegiance and have them perform it.”

Among other programs, they will offer water and boating safety, nutrition and health by promoting MyPyramid.com, self-esteem, communications, music genres, and city government.

“There are a lot of things the kids in our community do not get to experience,” said Jeannie Couture, membership specialist with Girl Scouts. “So we offer programs to help broaden their experiences and life skills.”

An adult should accompany children, but one adult can bring as many children as they want.

The arcade theater is a volunteer-based organization.

“When we get a chance to offer children a fun time and offer opportunities to make them better people it is a win-win for the community,” volunteer Lynette Tanner said.

“I’ve been here for the last two movies,” De-Aysha Simmons, 6, said. “I have fun because they have great snacks and nice movies. My favorite was ‘High School Musical.’”