When New Westminster did a survey on the city’s Facebook page asking what movies families wanted to see on the outdoor screen at Queen’s Park Stadium this summer it was no surprise topping the wish list were the new kids on the animation block.
New Westminster youth services coordinator Ryan Weber said atop the polls in popularity was Finding Dory followed by LEGO Batman and Sing, all released within the last year.
It seems what the kids want, the kids will get. All three are on this summer’s schedule of Friday night flicks along with an animation fan favourite Toy Story.
But they’re all scheduled for August. First up on the marquee, beginning July 7, are four retro classics: Goonies, Footloose, Dirty Dancing and Hook. (The 1980’s versions of Footloose and Dirty Dancing will be shown, not the ones produced this decade.)
Footloose and Dirty Dancing were the top two retro choices. Indiana Jones was third but since it was on last year’s playlist the city decided to pass on it this year. Goonies and Hook weren’t far behind in fourth and fifth.
Weber said the retro shows will bat leadoff on the ballpark marquee because the start times in July will be delayed due to darkness not arriving until later in the evenings. The earlier sunsets in August are more conducive to earlier starts for the younger tots eager to see the animated features.
This will be the seventh summer for the showings, which Weber estimated attract 300 to 500 people a movie.
“It’s community-oriented; there’s lots of families that are there. They make it a part of their summer plans,” said Weber. “It gives them a sense of having a special opportunity within their own community. A lot of families walk in from across the street or from just down the road. They have bragging rights if they live near Queen’s Park Stadium. It’s a great to have that amenity right in their backyard. They can walk down and watch.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. Weber said if the weather looks iffy on movie night the city will make a call on whether that evening’s showing is a go by 3 p.m. The decision will not only depend on the forecast, but whether or not previous rains had made the grounds too wet.
“Most people won’t want to sit on the ground if it’s going to turn to mud,” Weber said.
One summer, said Weber, they had to cancel three showings.
“It was weird. It would be a great week, but then came Friday and we’d have to cancel it. It seemed like all the bad days were on Friday,” said Weber.
Prospective viewers can find out if the movies are on or off by phoning 604-527-4634.
COMING SOON
July 7: Goonies
July 14: Footloose
July 21: Dirty Dancing
July 28: Hook
Aug. 4: Toy Story
Aug. 11: Finding Dory
Aug. 18: Sing
Aug. 25: LEGO Batman
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the movie starts at dusk (approximately 9:00 p.m.)
