PITTSBURG, Kan. — If community members can’t find something to do this Thursday, they aren’t looking hard enough.

It must have been a magic date when it came to area clubs and organizations planning events. Among them:

Entertainment

The Colonial Fox Foundation plans an outdoor showing of “The Polar Express,” a movie based on the beloved children’s book, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot between the Colonial Fox Theater and M&I Bank on Broadway.

The foundation painted the exterior wall of the historic theater, which is undergoing renovation, especially for outdoor movie viewings.

“We showed ‘Ghostbusters’ for Halloween, and it was fantastic. Something about watching a movie outside all bundled up was wonderful,” said Vonnie Corsini, foundation president. “The kids were able to run around if they got restless, and we had a beautiful canopy of stars.”

There is no fee. The movie is sponsored by The Broadway Law Office and Dr. and Mrs. Phil Cedeno. Heckert Construction is providing outdoor heaters. The foundation will have hot chocolate and popcorn available for a small fee.

In addition, the Broadway District merchants are planning “It’s a Wonderful Christmas Holiday” in downtown Pittsburg, with several stores offering refreshments. Also in the works are strolling carolers, Santa Claus and carriage rides.

“It ought to be a treat of an evening,” Corsini said. “It could be like the old days when parents went shopping while the kids watched the movie.”

Politics

Elsewhere that evening, those with a bent for politics and a desire to let their voices be heard may want to attend the 2009 Legislative Sendoff Reception, set for 5 to 7 p.m. at Tyler Research Center, 1204 Research Road, at the east edge of the Pittsburg State University campus. No formal presentation is scheduled; rather, elected officials will be available to allow residents an opportunity to speak with them about issues they deem important.

A brief program is set for 5:20 p.m. Those with written position papers may leave them with legislators during the event. The Legislature will reconvene Jan. 10 for the 2009 session.

Natural history

If nature is more your cup of tea, plan to attend a program called “Black Bears” at 7 p.m. in Room 102 of Yates Hall at PSU.

Kim Smith, chairman of the department of biological sciences at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, will present the program. The Sperry-Galligar Audubon Society will be the host for the session.