By Mary Owen
Last year, Dale Young turned his experiences of watching movies on Hawaii’s beaches to showing movies in Stayton’s Community Park.
“I was introduced to outdoor movies when my wife and I vacationed in Waikiki before our children were born,” said the Stayton family man, a 15-year employee with SCTC. “I found the experience compelling.”
For Young, the most memorable part of the experience was realizing how economically diverse the audience was.
“Of course, there were plenty of wealthy tourists, but there was also an equal portion of economically depressed families,” he said. “It was amazing to see, that under the shimmering gleam of theatrical presentation, the usual economic prejudices seemed to settle and mutual enjoyment emerged.”
It was at that moment that Young decided his own community could benefit from such an event.
This year, Mobile Entertainment’s Movies in the Park will be held on July 6 and 20 and Aug. 3, 17 and 31.
“So after years of saving and planning, I founded Young Mobile Entertainment,” he said. With that start, Young gathered funds from local business sponsors for three shows last year, each drawing about 150.
This year, he plans to show five movies, and is once again, looking to find sponsors to cover the $1,200 cost per movie – and the free popcorn.
“People can bring their own snacks and drinks,” he said. “Remember, no alcoholic beverages.”
The shows are: Madagascar 3 Europe’s Most Wanted, July 6; Brave, July 20; Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,”Aug. 3; Shrek Forever After, Aug. 17; and The Avengers, Aug. 31.
In the future, Young hopes to show movies in Sublimity, Lyons, Aumsville and other small towns.
“My goal is to provide families a fun, safe and memorable experience,” he said. “Enjoying an evening with family, friends, neighbors, and perhaps return home with a slightly better sense of community.”
Community involvement is a priority for Young, who has donated time to the Stayton Lions, Stayton Community Radio, Stayton Summer Concert Series and the Aumsville Tornado Relief Concert.
Movies begin at dusk. Arrive early to set up your blankets and pillows.
For information, call Young at 503-769-8048 or e-mail yme@wvi.com.
