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City featuring free movies in the park

By Kelsey Stein (Contact) | Alabaster Reporter

Published Monday, June 29, 2009

With the steadily rising prices of seeing movies in theaters, Shelby County residents can find relief in free movie showings across the county.

Free movie events began in Homewood and Helena, eventually spreading to other communities within a few years, said Cris Nelson, president of the Helena Business and Professional Organization, which presents Helena’s Sundown Cinema.

“It’s a popular thing that many cities are trying to do to keep the family in the city to go out and do something together,” said Nelson, who has attended a similar free movie showing in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii.

In its seventh year, Sundown Cinema now includes games for children prior to the movie and a full concession stand. All the money they make goes to improve the park, often for new playground equipment.

“These events show that we care about our residents and want to go the extra step to provide something for them to do,” Nelson said. “It shows that we’re family-oriented and provides a sense of community for the city.”

In its third year, Chelsea’s Movies in the Park is a newer program presented by Eddleman Properties Inc. They have increased the number of showings each summer.

Eddleman sponsors the movies to bring people out into the community to where they can see the beauty of the neighborhood and homes, said Eddleman employee Frances Mayhall.

“Free family events are always great for the community because they bring people together in a fun atmosphere,” Mayhall said. “And what else can you do for free on a Friday night?”

Alabaster’s Movies in the Park are shown at Veterans Park located at 7305 Highway 119 in Alabaster. They are presented by Alabaster Parks and Recreation and begin around dusk, with activities and concessions prior to the start of the movie.

The movie schedule for the remained of the summer is:

July 10 Big Fish

July 24 Madagascar 2

August 7 Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D

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