Few things go as well with summer nights as watching a movie under the stars.
This Friday (July 15), the first season of the Sooke Starlight Cinema kicks off at Ed Macgregor Park. Sponsored by the District of Sooke and the BC Communities in Bloom program, the province-wide initiative is aimed at keeping local parks clean and attractive.
“We want to get people using the park system (while we also) pay back the community and get people involved in community spirit,” said Laura Byrne, parks and environmental services coordinator.
Admission is by donation with all proceeds going towards Sooke Families in Need. The new not-for-profit group will also run the concession, selling popcorn, soft drinks and other light refreshments.
There are three shows planned, all starting at dusk (around 9 p.m.).
• July 15 -- Rango: an animated film featuring Johnny Depp as Rango, a pet chameleon who is facing an identity crisis. Rated PG.
• July 22 -- Rio: another animated affair, from the creators of Ice Age. This one stars a Macaw from Moose Lake, Minnesota who goes on an adventure to learn how to fly. Rated G.
• July 29 -- Thor: the hugely popular blockbuster directed by veteran British actor and director Kenneth Branagh. This is the Marvel Comics film retelling of the Norse god of thunder and his journey to Earth, starring Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman and newcomer Chris Hemsworth. Rated PG-13.
The entire event is volunteer-run, from the movies donated by the district to the design of the logo, said Byrne, who came up with the idea while chatting with the fire chief over coffee.
“It’s just a small, sit-on-a-blanket-and-watch-a-movie (type of night). We probably expect 100 (people) – 150 people would be ideal,” she said.
The films will be shown on a large canvas screen, about 10’ by 40’, leftover from the building of the Spirit Square at the park.
Organizers hope to make the event an annual affair with more movies and showings later into the season. Last year, they hosted a movie night for 40 staff members to test out the equipment and work out any kinks.
For more information, visit the website at www.sookestarlightcinema.com.