A Night at O’Brien Park

Even though each "Movies in the Park" film doesn't begin until dusk, there are two playgrounds and plenty of activities available to keep children occupied. Photo by Erika Siebring.

Two summers ago, I worked as an usher for the AMC Theater at 20 Mile, just west of Mainstreet. At the time, both my parents and my sisters were involved in Chaparral High School’s marching band, so they more or less recruited me to have AMC donate popcorn for Parker’s “Movies in the Park,” as opposed to making it themselves.

Sponsored by the Parker Chamber of Commerce, this annual movies series is held in O’Brien Park and includes three separate films, starting in July and occurring once a month until September. Each film is free to the public and typically rated PG.

As far as concessions, Chaparral’s marching band continues to sell the usual movie theater treats at each film: hot dogs, candy, nachos, homemade popcorn and drinks. Everything else is BYO -- bring your own blankets, chairs and bug spray. The food and activities for kids, provided by local businesses, set up at 6 p.m. and the films start at dusk; like most public events, the earliest you can get there, the better view of the film you'll have.

This year, “Wonder” will be screened on July 14. After that will be “The Lego Batman Movie” on Aug. 4 and “The Emoji Movie” on Sept. 8. Films are only cancelled in the case of extreme weather.