The third season of Movies at the Market, a free outdoor movie series held at the Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market, has attracted bigger crowds than ever before, according to Bill Solleder, special events manager and marketing director for Visit Hot Springs.
Every Thursday in June has featured a free screening of a popular movie at 8:30 p.m. The lawn opens at 7 p.m. Families may bring a blanket, chairs and a picnic. Popcorn, soft drinks, candy and other snacks are available for purchase. Smoking and glass containers are prohibited.
The series is presented by Visit Hot Springs and the Hot Springs Young Professionals.
There are two movies left in the series, "Rogue One-A Star Wars Story," scheduled for today, and "School of Rock," scheduled for July 6. "School of Rock" was originally planned for June 8 but was rescheduled due to bad weather.
Solleder said it is rumored the "Star Wars" character Chewbacca will make an appearance at around 8:15 p.m., before tonight's movie begins.
"The lawn opens at 7 p.m. -- we actually don't start setting up until 7 p.m. but attendance has been way up, like hundreds over what we usually get. People are lining up at 7 p.m. for a front-row seat. Not last week, but the week before that, we had to push people back because they were in the area where the projector goes. It's been big," Solleder said.
"I think Chewbacca will probably make an appearance at about 8:15 p.m. We try to start the movie at 8:30 p.m. but it all depends on where the sun is at. I think last time it turned out to be like 8:40 p.m. or somewhere in there."
Solleder credits the rise in attendance this year to different programming and marketing than years past. Over 600 people attended the screening of "The Jungle Book" on June 15.
"The first three weeks were all animated movies that were directed at younger eyes and families and I think that had a lot to do with it. It's just a great thing to do. The weather is great and it's free and people can get outside and they can be with their families and I think all those things together is just a great combination," he said. "I think a little more marketing on social media has also been a hit. I think both the programming and social media are a bit different from last year."
In years past, the Movies at the Market series kicked off in mid-June and ended in late July and event organizers noticed a significant drop in attendance when the outdoor temperatures began to rise, so they changed the schedule to only include the month of June to take advantage of cooler temperatures.
"So this week is 'Rogue One,' next week is 'School of Rock,' and we had planned an air guitar competition before 'School of Rock' so we will do that next week. We've been doing little things getting the kids involved, like last week was 'Jungle Book' and we told all the kids to dress up as animals and howl like wolves," Solleder said.
Pets are welcome, but must be on a leash. Attendees or pets who cause excessive noise during the movie will be asked to leave. Security will be on site.
All proceeds from concession sales will benefit the Hot Springs Young Professionals.
Movies at the Market is sponsored by Resort TV Cable, Oaklawn Jockey Club, Roberts Family Attractions, and National Park Medical Center.
Local on 06/29/2017