Clayton News Daily

By April Avison

Now that the holiday gifts have been unwrapped, Southern Crescent residents may find themselves looking for activities to keep them busy over this holiday weekend.

Many will head to the closest movie theater. New movies "Cheaper by the Dozen," "Cold Mountain," "Paycheck" and "Peter Pan" opened this week.

"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" has collected $124.1 million since its Wednesday debut – the highest-grossing five-day opening ever, according to final box office figures Monday.

The previous record holder was 1999's "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace," which collected $105.7 million between its Wednesday opening and the following Sunday.

The final installment in director Peter Jackson's hugely successful film trilogy based on the fantasy books by J.R.R. Tolkien collected that whopping total despite being three hours and 20 minutes long, which limits the number of times it can be shown each day.

Between Friday and Sunday, it earned $72.6 million – which broke the record for the best December weekend total, set last year by the previous film in the series – "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" – which earned $62 million. (That film collected $102 million between during its first five days.

Many Henry and Clayton residents plan to spend the weekend with their families.

"We'll probably go over to my daughter's house and Griffin and help the grandkids play with their new toys," said George Siggins of Stockbridge.

Those seeking to get out of the house and enjoy some live entertainment may want to visit Sidney's on Rock Quarry Road in Stockbridge to see a musical performance by Glenn Perdue.

Another option is the Kwanzaa Festival in Atlanta, which ends today. The event, at the APEX Museum on Auburn Avenue, features a market with vendors from around the world. Clowns, balloon art, games and arts and crafts for children will be featured, along with theatrical productions, poetry, African drum and dance and musical performances. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an evening program from 5 to 8 p.m. Call 404-523-2739 or visit www.apexmuseum.org.

Holiday skate week is offered next week at Ice Atlanta skating rink in Morrow for $10 each day. The skating rink opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Call 770-477-5112 or visit www.iceatlanta.com.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.