Grand Champion to celebrate 15th anniversary in May

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Screenings are planned in May to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Grand Champion, which was filmed in and around Snyder in 2001.
Snyder native Barry Tubb wrote and directed the G-rated movie. Local residents also appeared in the movie starring Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, Jacob Fisher and Joey Lauren Adams.
The movie tells the story of young Buddy (Fisher), who is still mourning the death of his father, and is devoted to his calf, Hokey.
The calf is being raised for a livestock competition under the watchful eye of Buddy’s mother, Hallie (Adams).
After their victory, Buddy is shocked to find out that his triumph will only result in Hokey being slaughtered for his meat by the winning bidder. Determined to save the bull, Buddy finds Mr. Blandford (Willis), Hokey’s new owner, and tries to convince him to return the animal.
Emma Roberts, who stars in the FOX series Scream Queens, plays Buddy’s sister.
Screenings of Grand Champion are set for May 6-7 at the Ritz Community Theatre. The screenings will be held at 7 p.m. May 6 and 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. May 7.
A bake sale is also planned on May 7. Tubb said some “surprise” cast and crew members will attend the Saturday afternoon shows.
Admission, which will be by donation only, will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. No advance tickets will be available.
Proceeds will benefit the Scurry County Boys and Girls Club. Check donations should be made out to the club.
Tubb said children who have not seen the movie are invited to attend regardless of a donation.
Donated goods for the bake sale with the donor’s name may be dropped off at the Ritz Theatre at noon May 7. Baked items should not require refrigeration, Tubb said.