Lynwood brings back movies in the park

LYNWOOD - Lynwood is bringing back its popular "Movies in the Park Nights" this summer.For 10 consecutive Thursdays this summer, starting this week, Ham Park will be turned into an outdoor movie theater featuring a 30 ft. by 35 ft. inflatable screen, specifically created for outdoor projections. The city expects more than 200 people to attend the weekly screenings. The program has become Lynwood's most popular summer attraction, aside from its July 4 fireworks show. "Last year, there was one night when we had 400 people out there," said Diana Romero, a recreation specialist for the city. "Our 'Movies in the Park Nights' are fairly new, about four years old, and we started doing them at local elementary schools, but then they started getting bigger and we needed more space, so we moved them to the park." The program started Thursday with the animated film "Escape from Planet Earth," featuring the voices of Brendan Fraser, Sofia Vergara, George Lopez and Jessica Alba. Movies start at 7:45 p.m. A small concession stand sells popcorn, hotdogs and drinks at minimal cost. Starting July 11, Lynwood is also launching a farmers market to coincide with the film series. The market will be open Thursdays from 4-8 p.m. in the park's parking lot. "This year's Movies in the Park will be better than ever," said Lynwood city manager Roger Haley. "Summer nights will be filled with family fun time, where they can enjoy a movie under the stars and a farmers market every Thursday night..."

********** Published: June 27, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 11