Ortonville – It may be the tale of Mr. Limpet exploring the deep blue sea, or chickens on the run, animated toys, or incorporated monsters showing at the drive-in style Ortonville Night at the Movies, on July 25.
While the choice of movie to be shown has not yet been secured, Ortonville Night at the Movies is guaranteed to be a night that will create nostalgic memories for the whole family.
For parents who can’t forget the smell of fresh pop corn and roasted hot dogs filling the air of the outdoor night time theater, volunteers from both Harvey Swanson and H.T. Burt parent organizations have lined up to serve the time honored goodies to a new generation of moviegoers.
Before the show starts, parents from Belle Ann Elementary will scoop Cook’s ice cream to tickled tots.
The plan is for families to enjoy adrive-in style entertainment of the past. Bring the kids, in pj’s if they wish, spread out blankets to enjoy a pre-movie picnic dinner and playground fun on the ground of H.T. Burt and Harvey Swanson Elementary Schools.
A safe, oldfashioned family oriented night at the movies is the plan, but only if funds can be raised.
‘We’re moving along,? said Paul Zelenak, who brought the idea of the family event to the parent organizations.
‘However we still need another $1,000 to make it happen.?
Without the initial donation of $1,000 from Oxford Bank and commitment of money and volunteer services, Zelenak said the movie night would not have come along this far.
While entry to the night out is planned to be free, the cost for equipment rental with set up and take down, plus screen and movie is in excess of $3,000.
Oxford Bank has set up an account in order to take personal or public donations (checks should be made payable to The Village of Ortonville), or take donations to the village office.
Parent groups have committed to caring for the concession stands, area businesses are helping with advertising and financial commitments, the library has volunteered advertising services and parking, area churches will provide volunteers for parking control, a playground assistance, child entertainment prior to the movie, and funding. .
Bridgewood Church of Clarkston has organized setting up a Moon Walk and Fairy Tale Castle for children to bounce away the time before the movie.
‘The volunteers are going to really be what makes this event,? said Zelenak.
‘The parent organizations have been really helpful in promoting this event.?
The fire department will have the Fire Safety House available to the children, before the movie starts. Zelenak would like to complement the fire department’s safety equipment with a pair of mounted police to insure safe keeping for the children. The cost of the old fashioned protection is $139 for the evening, so Zelenak is unsure if enough event funds will be raised to hire the added protection.
‘It would add a sense of security to the event,? he said.
Zelenak also suggests parents bring flashlights as an added safety precaution to maneuver the grounds during the movie.
Zelenak said movie fans can order T-shirts for $8, available in a variety of sizes, sporting the 2003 Ortonville Night at the Movies logo.
To order the shirts call Diane Taylor at (248) 627-5627.
There will be no alcohol or smoking allowed on the grounds.
To donate funds or volunteer for the event call Paul Zelenak at (248) 627-4976.