Movie on the Lawn Under the Stars attracts crowd
Blankets, chairs, a few favorite movie snacks and many smiling faces filled the courtyard at Pine Island Elementary School for the 5th annual Movie on the Lawn Under the Stars Thursday night to watch “Santa Buddies.”
Principal Robert Mazzoli said when he first came out to Pine Island as the principal he saw the courtyard and thought that it would provide the perfect atmosphere for an outside movie theatre. He said he envisioned lawn chairs and blankets covering the grounds.
His vision came to life again Thursday night as approximately 150 students and their families found spots in the courtyard to enjoy a holiday themed movie.
“I’m so excited … this is great,” he said smiling about the attendance. “With a school size of 250 kids, that is pretty impressive.”
As the families entered the gates of the elementary school, they were given a ticket for a free cup of hot cocoa and a bag of popcorn.
Mazzoli said they always provide free popcorn and cocoa to those who attend the movie night, which is always a holiday themed picture. Pizza and a drink were also available for those who wished to purchase those items.
“They come out, eat and have a good time,” he said.
Mazzoli said he saw some of his old students that are now in 6th and 7th grade who came out for the event Thursday night.
Jennifer Overbaugh brought her three children to the movie Thursday night, which has become a tradition. “Santa Buddies” was the third film the family has seen in the courtyard.
“I think it is fun for the kids, all three can enjoy it,” Overbaugh said now that her youngest is in kindergarten. “It’s a nice fun family event.”
Her 9-year-old daughter and 3rd grade student Lilly sat beside her in a lawn chair enjoying a slice of pizza.
“We get to have some hot cocoa and popcorn,” she said why she enjoys going to the annual event.
First-timers Lecia Noonan and her son Tyler, 5, brought a blanket with them to to sit on while they watched the movie Thursday night. She said this is the first time they have attended the movie on the lawn because her son is in kindergarten this year.
“I think it’s awesome,” Noonan said about the event, adding that she will absolutely come back again next year.
Tyler agreed saying that watching the movie on the lawn was “cool.”
The Noonan’s brought their friend Christopher Beagles, 6, to the movie as well. Christopher said with a smile that he will be attending “every movie on the lawn.”
Noonan said she loves Pine Island Elementary School because she attended the school when she was a young girl.
“It’s pretty cool to have your kids go to your school,” she said.