Films Under the Stars returns this month with free, weekly movies in the parish’s parks. Hosted by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, families can visit Prien Lake Park, July 9, 16 and 23, and River Bluff Park on July 30, to watch a family-friendly movie on a LED big screen.
Free popcorn and cotton candy will be accessible and food truck merchants will likewise be nearby for the event, Christine Tarver, CPPJ facility planner, said. “We’re trying to bring the community to the park. It’s a way to get away with your family and just kind of escape for a little bit.”
An annual event, the current year’s screenings will feature a new “theme night” every week where visitors are invited to dress the part. “We’re just trying to make it more of an event versus just showing up,” she said.
“It’ll be really interactive and be a little different than usual.”
This present Friday’s “Moana” showing will incorporate a tropical theme with leis being distributed. The “Yogi Bear” appearing on July 16 will follow a “camp/park style with picnic baskets and ranger hats,” Tarver said.
July 23 will highlight “Rango” and be “wild west” themed. The live-action version of “The Jungle Book” will play on July 30 to finish off the summer series.
The last appearance of the month will happen at Moss Bluff’s River Bluff Park, a debut location for the film series.
“We’re very excited about that and hoping to have multiple new things at that space to make it a big ordeal,” Tarver said.
Notwithstanding the food trucks present, families are additionally welcome to carry their own food and items to get comfortable for appearances, Tarver said.
“Pretty much anything is allowed except for alcohol. You can bring your dogs as long as they’re on a leash. Blanket, chairs and things like that, too, in case things are wet from the rain.”
If there should be an inclement weather, weekly screenings will be canceled.
