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Families Bundle Up for “Movie
Night in the Park”
[October 28, 2025]
On Friday, October 24, families
gathered at 315 8th Street for the City of Lincoln’s Movie Night in
the Park, where Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. lit up the
evening. Hosted by the City of Lincoln and the Lincoln Park
District, the event began at 7 p.m. and marked the city’s second
year of offering the family-friendly outdoor movie.
Despite the brisk fall air, with temperatures dipping to 47 degrees
by the end of the night, families came prepared with thick blankets,
warm jackets, and lawn chairs. Laughter from children echoed through
the park before the movie began, as they ran and played under the
fading sunset. Parents set up their chairs and shared snacks as the
glow from the food trucks and projector created a cozy circle of
light in the dark.
Two local food vendors, Loo’s Sugar Buzz and T & D Catering LLC,
provided refreshments for guests. Loo’s Sugar Buzz, run by Wendy and
Tim Brady, offered warm drinks and seasonal treats from their
signature menu.
“Lincoln has supported me really
well,” Wendy said in an interview, noting that her business started
as a dream and quickly became a community favorite. “That's another
thing we like about Lincoln, because this is for families to come
out and enjoy each other, enjoy a movie.”
Tory and Deborah Garen of T & D Catering also served hot meals from
their food truck, helping families keep warm through the chilly
evening.
“We think it’s awesome what the city does,” Deborah said. “This is
for families to come out, enjoy each other, and enjoy a movie.
That’s what we love about Lincoln—it’s a small town where everyone
knows everyone.” The couple, who moved to Lincoln from Chicago after
years of catering experience, emphasized that events like this help
them connect with the community.
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The evening’s
event was organized by Ashley Metelko, the administrative
assistant to Mayor Tracy Welch and the Lincoln City Council.
Welch credited Metelko for coordinating the event, which he said
has grown in popularity since its debut.
“Ashley is the administrative
assistant to the mayor and the council,” Welch said. “She’s been
doing a lot with the council lately on big projects.”
While attendance was slightly smaller than the previous year due to
the colder weather, Metelko said the community turnout still
reflected strong local support.
“The weather was a little cold. Last year we had a lot more.”
Metelko said.
Mayor Welch also shared that next year’s Movie Night in the Park
will look a bit different. “Next year, we’ll have a new amphitheater
in this spot,” he said.
“We'll be doing our first movie night in the park [next year] we
expect to be able to do it with the new Amphitheater in place. So,
we’re excited about it.”
As Monsters, Inc. played beneath the stars, families huddled close
together, sipping warm drinks and watching the adventures of Mike
and Sulley unfold. Between the laughter, the smell of popcorn, and
the hum of the food trucks, the night captured exactly what the city
intended—a simple, joyful evening of togetherness.
[Sophia Larimore]
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