Movie Night at the Park
Written By Bethany Schwarz
As dusk fell, hundreds of local families scurried to the outdoor amphitheater area behind the Multipurpose Activity Center (the MAC) off Marilyn Williams Drive in Edmond. The race for the best seat in the house was on; but as it turned out, every seat was a great option for “Trolls” on the big screen Friday, April 14. Blankets, strollers and lawn chairs were strewn about, guarded by watchful parents while children played tag and waited in line for their very own “Troll hair”. The Troll Hair station was a fundraiser supporting a local non-profit, Upstage Theater and their drama programs. Admission is completely free and the event is family friendly hosted by the City of Edmond Parks and Recreation Department. The concessions run $1 for anyone who didn’t bring their own movie must haves from home. The funding from concessions helps to cover the cost of movie licensing.
Movie Night in the Park is in its fifth season here in Edmond. This fun-filled family event began locally the summer of 2013. Movie Night at the Park season begins in March. However, you still have plenty of time to catch some quality flicks. Movies are shown primarily at the MAC amphitheater every second Friday of the month from March through October, weather permitting. May 12 is reserved for “The Secret Life of Pets” and June 9 is a special showing of “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” at Stephenson Park in down town Edmond. The Museum and Edmond Historical Society will keep extended hours and have fun activities that correspond with the movie for the whole family or for an affordable, wholesome date night. Last year, a 4-H group came out and hosted activities for children, as well as Extreme Animals. The Parks Department partners with different groups if their business correlates with the feature film. It is a win, win opportunity to provide entertainment for attendants and exposure for local businesses.
Diane Self has been a part of the City of Edmond Parks and Recreation team for eight years as the Recreation Program Manager. Her favorite thing about working for this great city is to be able to provide fun services to residents and those surrounding Edmond. The Edmond Parks and Recreation Department allows people opportunities to enjoy living in Edmond without causing a financial strain on their family economy.
The Oklahoma wind blew and the children sang along with the fun songs. Families spent time snuggled up together in the beautiful outdoors. Though silly, the movie “Trolls” depicts the challenge of facing each day with joy. Thanks to the local Parks and Recreation Department over 500 community members got to go home a little lighter, and happier to face the day ahead… and lots of kids got to stay up late, too.
The next Movie Night is May 12 showing “The Secret Life of Pets.” Be sure to grab your lawn chairs and a big blanket! Double check the weather and the Parks and Rec Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/edmondparksandrec/ for further details. It never hurts to call ahead for any outdoor activity: 405-359-4630 and http://edmondparks.com.
Put it on the calendar as a free fun night out with neighbors in your community.