The Starlight Cinema movie night was an idea that came from the mind of Amanda Roseth two summers ago, after putting a projector and movie screen up for people in her Woodbury neighborhood. “I guess that was kind of the start of everything,” Roseth says. “I like to create those type of memorable experiences, and the kids looked forward to every time I did an outdoor movie. Now it’s just brought to a community-wide level and I got the same response.”
Starlight Cinema is more than a movie; it’s an experience. Along with watching movies on a huge screen at Ojibway Park, there are fun movie-themed activities for children to participate in. “With Hotel Transylvania, we did a mummy wrapping contest,” Roseth says. “I always do a hula hoop competition.”
Along with movie-themed activities, there are booths for event sponsors. “We’ve done crazy hair every movie event, and we’ve had drawing activities and an ice cream truck that gives out free ice cream,” Roseth says. There’s also a red carpet every movie night, where people are able to take photos with a large frame and props.
Since starting last summer, movie nights have been popular with parents and kids in the community. “Their kids look forward to it. They can’t wait for the next one,” Roseth says. “I’ve had a lot of great response from people in the community that have attended the event.”
It’s about bringing community together, she says. “I know a lot of neighborhoods; they just see neighbors in passing. To put together an event that happens throughout the summer, where people can interact with their neighbors and community—it’s really important.”
Starlight Cinema Thursdays at Ojibway Park; entertainment starts at 7 p.m.
June 15: Despicable Me 2 (PG) 9:20 p.m.
June 29: Trolls (PG) 9:15 p.m.
July 13: The LEGO Batman Movie (PG) 9:15 p.m.
July 27: Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (PG) 9 p.m.
August 10: Zootopia (PG) 9 p.m.
