Movies a Success, City Reports

Success was apparent for St. Ignace's Movie Under the Stars event, as the parking lot and the north lawn of the Little Bear East Arena and Community Center was filled with vehicles and people who came to watch family movies featured on an outdoor, inflatable screen Monday, July 2, and Tuesday, July 3.

The evening shows included Disney's "Cars" the first night, and a movie about the building of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957 and "Night at the Museum" the next night.

The event was free of charge. The City of St. Ignace raised $4,200 to pay for the event through sponsorship of 12 local businesses.

Popcorn was offered free of charge and candy and beverages were sold. There were more than 135 vehicles parked in the parking lot the first night, St. Ignace City Manager Eric Dodson said, and just as many showed up the second night.

Those enjoying the event from their vehicles were able to tune into an AM radio station to listen to the movie. The outdoor theater was also equipped with large speakers that could be easily heard throughout the Little Bear East area.

The event is planned to continue next summer, at least twice, Mr. Dodson said.

The 26-foot-wide digital theater screen was provided by Great Outdoor Movies of Rochester Hills.