NEOSHO, Mo. — There’s always plenty of seating at one of the most popular movie theaters in Neosho.
Moviegoers can bring their own snacks. A bonus viewing of fireflies and a steady serenade of crickets are common.
Cinema in the Park is in the middle of its fifth year of productions. The brainchild of Neosho resident Laura Mills, who in 2004 owned her own wedding coordination business, was inspired by a scene from the movie “The Wedding Planner.” Together she and fellow resident Steven York thought the historic Big Spring Park would be the perfect location. The pair acquired the movie equipment and even made a screen for the large projection.
“We wanted an event that the entire family could come to and enjoy, plus make it free,” said Shana Griffin, Neosho Area Chamber of commerce executive director.
“We wanted the ‘step-back-in-time’ feeling, when you would go to a drive-in and see a movie. We want people to come to our downtown area. At first, we thought we would attract the older, more mature audience, but younger people with their families came, so we turned our movie focus to ‘kid’ movies.”
The Cinema in the Park events have proved popular with families who find traditional movie costs prohibitive. The Downtown Events Committee sponsors a concession stand serving popcorn, drinks and other snacks items, while attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic meal and any of their own refreshments.
The movies are always rated PG or G and considered something that the entire family could enjoy together.
“We always asked at the beginning of the year for movie suggestions,” said Griffin. “Disney movies are very popular, but there is only a certain time frame that we can show them because of the licensing agreement, so our first movie is a Disney and our last movie too.”
The Cinema in the Park showings usually have a theme. The first year a cowboy movie was shown and had a line-dancing demonstration in the park before dark. Another year, organizers selected the movie “Barnyard” and the Neosho FFA club brought live animals. At this year’s Aug. 29 Cinema, the movie “Kung Fu Panda” will be shown, and Carrillo’s Shotokan Karate-Do has scheduled an exhibition before the movie.
Sponsors pay for the cost of the licensing to show the movies and then benefit from the recognition of the event promotion. The City of Neosho is the Cinema in the Park sponsor for the month of June.
“The city sponsoring the movie is just another way that we try to give back to the community,” said Desiree Bridges, Neosho communication manager. “It is inexpensive and is such a great event that pulls people from all over the area — not just Neosho. It’s not high-tech; there are no rides or games. It’s just people coming together to have fun and relax with their families.”
This summer’s movie schedule comprises “Hotel for Dogs,” June 19; “Batman,” July 24; and “Kung Fu Panda,” Aug. 29. The movies begin at dark, anywhere from 8:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., although moviegoers often arrive early to lay claim to a spot with their lawn chairs.
“It’s the perfect setting,” Griffin said. “The park stage is where the screen is set up, and you can sit anywhere. There is not a bad seat!” said Griffin. “Big Spring Park has always been a gathering place, and it just works. It’s the focal point of Neosho, and we love to highlight it.”
