LITTLE MOUNTAIN — The town of Little Mountain will hold a movie night June 19 in Reunion Park with a showing of Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb after the sun goes down.
The movie will begin once the sun goes down, which should be around 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.
“We were trying to think of family activities that would be fun for a small town to have. I grew up in a town where there were movies in the park four times a summer,” Mayor Jana Jayroe said. “As a very small child, I thought it was so much fun. Having my parents out on blankets and I could run around and still watch the movie.”
The town decided last August to hold a movie night and contacted the City of Newberry for some direction and information. Jayroe contacted Southern Outdoor Cinema, the company that works with Newberry.
“When the company looked at the size and community, they suggested a newer movie that would generate interest,” she said. “They also said this would limit the amount of people who have seen the film.”
Southern Outdoor Cinema gave Jayroe a list of suggestions and she turned to Facebook, using a poll on the town’s official page. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb was the hands down winner, according to Jayroe, winning with 65 votes.
Secret of the Tomb, the third in the series, involves the main character, played by Ben Stiller, travelling the globe on a quest to save the magic that brings the exhibits to life. Jayroe also noted this is one of Robin Williams’ last films. Before the film, there will be cartoons and family friendly music playing.
To help publicize the event, the company provided an official movie poster and the town made flyers. Jayroe is hoping that local businesses will hang the flyers. Also to help promote the event, Jayroe created an official Facebook event.
“So far the event page has 98 people saying they are coming. I am hoping that even more come,” Jayroe said. “I have told everyone I run into about it, so the word is getting out there.”
Councilwoman Susan Epting said she hopes the event will draw people from Little Mountain and beyond.
“Hopefully, movie night will attract not only local residents, but friend and neighbors from beyond the official boundaries of the town and foster a greater sense of community,” she said.
The town will provide free concessions and moviegoers can bring their own snacks. Jayroe said those attending might also want to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted. Families are encouraged to bring their children but parents will need to make sure the children are well behaved.
“I think this is a great experience for families and it is free. I feel this will bring the community together and give a sense of unity,” Jayroe said. “When you live in Little Mountain, sometimes it is hard to find entertainment on a Friday night. This way, you do not have to drive 30 to 45 minutes away, and you do not have to pay for a babysitter or pay $15 to watch a movie.”
The event will be cancelled in the event of dangerous weather.