Local park becomes theater on Saturday night

[August 01, 2011]  Melrose Park, one of many neighborhood parks scattered across Lincoln, went through a makeover on Saturday, when a giant movie screen emerged in one corner, turning the open lawn into an open-air theater. A large crowd included adults and children, who were treated to "Space Jam," a movie with Michael Jordan and characters from Warner Bros. "Looney Tunes."

The event was hosted by the Lincoln Junior Woman's Club. Several local businesses sponsored the movie night with generous donations.

"A lot of businesses have given their support for this event," said project chairman Lisa Kramer. "There are three levels of donation -- $100, $250 and $500. And we hope more businesses will become partners, to bring two or three movie nights to neighborhood parks next year. It is simple and inexpensive fun for families, encourages neighbors to enjoy the evening together, and is a good use of the local parks.

"We have to license the movie, and we contract with Sunset Media, from LaSalle, who provides and mans the sound system, projector and movie screen," she said.

Kramer said the event can cost $1,800, so the club hopes to see larger and larger crowds attend, to take advantage of the simple family entertainment and to justify the cost.

The group's initial attempt at bringing a movie to one of the parks was rained out three times, so Saturday night's clear skies were appreciated. The first movie night was to be at Postville Park, on Fifth Street, but rain throughout June seemed to arrive on Saturday nights.

The next movie night is scheduled for Sept. 10 at Postville Park. The movie will be the Pixar hit "Cars."

The Lincoln Junior Woman's Club sells -- for reasonable prices -- popcorn, bottled water and cans of soda at a portable snack stand, and also sells glow necklaces and light balls for the kids. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Pets are allowed on a leash.

[By MARLA BLAIR]