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BEST BETS: May 27 to June 2, 2011

Check out the movie shot here

Neal Dhand's feature film debut, "Second-Story Man," is a tale of love and vengeance that was filmed in Rochester in January 2010. The film will be screened this week at The Little Theatre. Dhand directed and co-wrote the story about the tragically intersecting lives of characters searching for meaning. “We’re excited to show our support for another successful Rochester filmmaker; it’s part of what we’re here for,” said Beth Bailey, marketing manager at the Little. There will be a talkback following Friday's 6:30 p.m. screening, featuring the film’s co-stars—Danny Hoskins and Zaira Crystal—and the film's producers. Admission is included in the ticket price. As a graduate student, Dhand studied film at Rochester Institute of Technology, where he now teaches. Visit thelittle.org for details and showtimes.

Finger-lickin' festival
The 2011 Roc City Rib Fest is this holiday weekend at Ontario Beach Park. The professional state championship BBQ competition features live music, a barbecue class and a kids' zone. Events are planned Friday through Monday. The fest is now part of the Kingsford Points Chase, a competitive barbecuing circuit. Teams are coming from Maryland, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, Virginia, Vermont, Rhode Island and Canada. They’ll be seeking $20,000 in prize money in a variety of competitions, including Kansas City Barbecue Society, New England Barbecue Society, Roc City Rib Cook Off and Kids Q. Visit roccityribfest.net for the full lineup.

Up, up and away
Thirty hot-air balloons will ascend from the Letchworth gorge this weekend for the Red, White and Blue Balloon Festival. Top pilots from several states are slated to participate in one of the most exciting ballooning events in the Northeast. The launch site is the Archery Field Overlook on the main park road at the Castile entrance. Visit balloonsoverletchworth.com for details or reservation information.

The holiday's history
The first observance of Memorial Day was in Waterloo on May 5, 1866. In 1966, Waterloo was officially recognized as birthplace of Memorial Day by the state, the U.S. Congress and a proclamation by President Lyndon B. Johnson. A full slate of historical and family-themed entertainment in Waterloo is set for this weekend. The schedule for the 145th consecutive Memorial Day observance is at WaterlooNY.com. Of course, most communities plan their own Memorial Day parades and ceremonies to honor the U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. Also, for those planning to get stuff done around the house this long weekend, the Rochester Public Market is open for business Thursday to Tuesday. Flower City Days at the Market are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sunday and Monday.

On the big screen
"The Hangover Part II" is bound to be funny. Right after the bachelor party in Las Vegas, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) head to Thailand for Stu's wedding. Even Mike Tyson returns for a role in this sequel. In "Kung Fu Panda 2," Po joins forces with a group of new kung-fu masters to take on an old enemy with a deadly new weapon. The animated 3D film features the voice talents of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Gary Oldman and Seth Rogen. Find movie times.

Dash for Dad run and walk
Hundreds of people are expected to take part in the first local Dash for Dad run to combat prostate cancer. Planned by Urology Associates of Rochester, the race will raise money for prostate cancer awareness and efforts to reduce the prevalence of the disease. Rochester is one of just 27 communities across the country to be selected to host a Dash for Dad race. Dash for Dad in Rochester, a 5K race/1 mile walk, will take place rain or shine at 8 a.m. Monday at Frontier Field. For information or to register, visit DashforDad.com/races/Rochester


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