Going to the “picture show” to see a holiday movie classic on the big screen has become a Christmas tradition for many families in and around Pike County.

For about 12 years, WTBF Radio and Continental Cinema 5 have come together in the holiday spirit to offer a special “gift” to the community and to help make Christmas brighter for area families in need.

“Each year, we bring a holiday classic movie to the big screen and the admission is two cans of food that will be donated to a food bank here in Pike County,” said Doc Kirby, WTBF radio personality. “We invite everyone who enjoys the old Christmas movies to come join us for tonight’s movie, “White Christmas,” a 1954 hit starring Bing Cosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney.

“The movie has a great storyline and great songs and is a good way to celereate the season. We have quite a few giveaway items donated by local merchants and we’ll all have a good time.”

“White Christmas” will begin at 7 p.m. but everyone is invited to come early and enjoy Salvation Army-style Christmas music beginning at 6 p.m. Local musicians will entertain prior to the show.

The canned food items will be donated to the Pike County Salvation Army in Troy. The concession stand will be open and the other four theaters will play their regularly scheduled movies.