Three area locations offer films outdoors as dusk falls this summer – although one is considerably wetter than the others.
Check the calendar and stock up on popcorn, because Moscow- and Lewiston-area outdoor movie screenings are free.Moscow’s Screen on the Green:
The Wizard of Oz will sweep through the mowed green grass of the University of Idaho Theophilus Tower lawn along with three witches, Theodora, Evanora and Glinda, who are all illusionary characters in the film “Oz the Great and Powerful.”
Oz is the first movie that will play as part of UI Student Involvement’s Screen on the Green each Thursday this summer.
“Everybody brings out their picnic blankets, and it’s just a really chill and relaxing evening,” said Lauren Rubin, student summer coordinator for UI Student Involvement.
A large theater screen will be installed each Thursday on the Tower lawn, facing Sixth Street, and movies begin when dusk hits — around 8:30 p.m.
“This year we kind of mixed up some classics with some new ones,” said Rubin, who is a self-proclaimed Indiana Jones and Harrison Ford fan, and is looking forward to the July 11 showing.
The second Screen on the Green film is “Monsters, Inc.,” followed by “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “‘42,’” “The Avengers” and “A Bug’s Life.”
Movies and popcorn are free for the public.
“And who doesn’t like free movies and free popcorn?” Rubin said.
-If you go:
WHAT: Screen on the Green viewing of “Oz the Great and Powerful”
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Thursday
WHERE: University of Idaho Theophilus Tower lawn off Sixth Street in Moscow
COST: Free
NOTE: For a full schedule of movie showings, visit inland360.com/event/screen-on-the-green
Lewiston’s Movies on the Wall:
While Movies on the Wall in Pioneer Park is no longer screened on an actual wall, the 6-year tradition will start Friday, July 12, with a summer full of ‘80s-themed films.
Local dentist Jim Pierce used to live in Seattle where he began screening films outdoors for his neighborhood. After moving to the Valley, the story goes, Jim’s Lewiston-born wife, Julie, wanted to bring the same sense of community to her hometown.
The couple got started in 2007, Brandon Johnson, Lewiston recreation coordinator, said.
“On the back of Main Street Lighting on the wall, they showed movies,” Johnson said. “Three years ago, Julie and our summer director … ended up teaming up together and getting Cable One to buy us a movie screen, so we could move it up to Pioneer Park in the grass.”
The 25- by 40-foot screen stretches across the lawn, where, Johnson said, families can bring blankets or chairs to view the shows.
“I know a couple of families who have brought inflatable beds to hang out, which is a genius idea,” Johnson said.
Concessions, such as soda, popcorn, candy bars and nuts are available for $1 and all money goes toward Lewiston non-profit organizations.
“Each day is a different non-profit,” Johnson said. “We take all the money made in six weeks and divide it by six. Each of the non-profits last year made about $400.”
G- and PG-rated films include “An American Tail,” “Princess Bride,” “Goonies,” “Back to the Future,” “The Natural” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.”
Johnson said he made the screening selection by viewing the American Film Institute’s “Totally Awesome: Films of the 1980s” list, as well as a consultation with his 4- and 6-year-old sons, who chose “An American Tail.” Results from a Lewiston Parks and Recreation Facebook survey helped choose “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.”
All movies begin at different times, such as 8:55 p.m. or 8:13 p.m., when dusk is projected to begin.
-If you go:
WHAT: Movies on the Wall showing of “An American Tail”
WHEN: 8:55 p.m. July 12
WHERE: Pioneer Park lawn, Lewiston
COST: Free. Concessions are $1
NOTE: For a full schedule, visit inland360.com/event/30391-2/
Orchard Pool Dive-in:
Lewiston Parks and Recreation will present the Clean-up and Total Restoration Dive and Drive – drive in movies at Orchards Pool. Swimming takes place 7:10-8:30 p.m., followed by the movies “Lilo and Stitch” on July 27 and “Surf’s Up” on Aug. 17 on the inflatable outdoor movie screen. Concessions are available from Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington/North Idaho. The radio feed is by B973.com/Big Country/KHITS radio stations.
