The first surprise: Several characters from the show were on hand to greet them.

The second: Their tickets to see the show had been paid for by UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center and its staff.

UnityPoint’s Alyssa Stanek, senior marketing and communication specialist, was enjoying watching the young movie goers pose with Anna, Elsa and Olaf, characters from the film.

“We’re here to celebrate the giving season and show our appreciation to the community,” she said. “We’re paying it forward. We are paying for people’s ‘Frozen II’ movie tickets.”

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Blaise Zach, 4, gets a little shy at the prospect of meeting Elsa and Anna from the movie “Frozen” Tuesday afternoon at the Fort 8 Theatre as he hugs his mom, Rose Zach. UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center and its staff paid for movie-goers to see “Frozen II” Tuesday. Anna is registered nurse Emily Larson, at left, Elsa is registered nurse Jessica Smith. Jade Zach, 2, and Vincent Flattery, 3, were a little less shy.

She said the staff has spent the entire month holding various drives to benefit the community, including collecting clothing and food.

“Our team is dedicated to the cause,” she said.

Blaise Zach, 4, of Fort Dodge, was a little shy about meeting Elsa, portrayed by registered nurse Jessica Smith.

He wasn’t shy about getting to see the movie, though.

He shouted “yeah” then jumped up and down.

His mom, Rose Zach, appreciated the tickets.

“That’s amazing,” she said. “It’s very seasonal.”

To say that the ‘Frozen” movies, both I and II are very popular with children is perhaps a grand understatement.

Amy Coleman, a recruiter with UnityPoint Health, brought her two children, Charlotte Coleman, 4, dressed as Elsa and Penelope Coleman, 6, dressed as Anna, to help.

“I’ve seen it five, six, seven, eight times,” Penelope Coleman said.

Her mom disputes that figure.

“It’s probably closer to a hundred times,” she said.

That’s just the first one, ”Frozen II” was on for later.

“We’re going tonight,” she said.

Laura and Rich Sanchez, of Fort Dodge, both appreciated being able to see the film for free with their daughter, Maeleah Sanchez, 3.

“I really appreciate anybody that wants to give back,” Laura Sanchez said.

Rich Sanchez was excited to see the film.

“I get into her shows,” he said.

They’ve watched ”Frozen” many times at home, but he doesn’t quite have the script memorized yet.

“Not all of it,” he said.