Community Kickoff to be held July 31.

Courtesy City of Milton

Yearly event brings movie, food, games, rides and more to Milton Stadium.

MILTON, Ga., July 21, 2011 - For the second year, the Milton High School Touchdown Club and the cities of Milton and Alpharetta present the Milton High School Community Kickoff Sunday, July 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the school's football stadium.

The free, family-friendly event features a "Flick on the Field," food and information from the program's Community Partners, games and rides for the kids and a perfect opportunity for everyone to see friends missed over the long, hot summer months.

This is the second year the cities have partnered with the non-profit booster club to open up what was once team photo day to the community as a whole, said Milton Communications Manager Jason Wright.

"Last year the Touchdown Club approached us about turning the team's event into a community event to officially end the summer," said Wright. "We immediately jumped on this opportunity. We help with logistics and promotion, and all of Milton and Alpharetta are invited to this great family event."

Touchdown Club officer Lee Jenkins said after last year's 1 p.m. start time and 100-plus degree heat, it was decided that the Community Kickoff might be more popular as an evening event.

"On Friday nights in the fall, this stadium is the place to be," said Jenkins. "So it just made sense."

The Community Kickoff takes the place of Milton football's photo day, which routinely drew more than 200 families to the school. Organizers stress everyone is invited, regardless of affiliation with the team. And there should be a crowd. In addition to the nearly 400 families in Milton's high school and feeder programs, the 900 families involved in the Alpharetta Youth Football Association have also been invited to take part.

"Milton High School is an important and vibrant part of the community and touches [virtually everyone]," said Melody Cookson, a Touchdown Club member helping to plan the event. "Join us to celebrate the importance and contributions of Milton High School to the community, and the important role Milton Football plays in uniting and rallying the student body and the community in general."

First-year head coach Howie DeCristofaro said the team has been working hard on a program the community can be proud of. This is the first opportunity residents and parents will have to be introduced to the new faces.

"We look forward to collaborating with the community to make Friday nights special for all involved," he said.

For more information about the Community Kickoff 2011, contact Melody Cookson at 678-234-5801 or cruisedirector@bellsouth.net.