About one month ago, family movie night in Naturita began, and since then people have been coming together in the town park there to watch films like “ET,” “The Goonies,” “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” “The Incredibles” and more. Organizer Brock Benson, of Paradox Cycle, said it’s about creating ways for people to gather in a healthy way, but also to utilize the great space that the town park has become, especially after community members like Sara Bachman and her team spent time and energy improving it.
Paradox Cycle is the official sponsor of family movie night, but other organizations are on board too, including the Town of Naturita, and representatives of Town and Country Insurance, of Naturita, have also said they’d like to participate.
On Thursdays an hour before closing, Paradox Cycle is offering some free bike services and discounted parts for West End families. At the end of the day on Thursdays, Benson is trying to make it affordable for locals, and to keep people on bikes and enjoying them. Afterward, all are invited to ride their bikes to the park for the Thursday evening show, which is presented on an inflatable screen that Paradox Cycle purchased specifically for the park movies.
Many people are helping to set up and tear down for family movie nights. Harry Cowles is helping with the sound system. Jennifer Locke just donated popcorn, sodas and a spaghetti dinner. Clark Cross and family are offering use of their projector.
People are welcome to bring their folding lawn chairs, coolers with food, and the kids can play — or they can just sit and watch the show.
Benson hopes that small bike races can be held with prizes given away to the kids. Additionally, frisbee golf play will be happening at some point. In the future, guests will probably also see more food vendors on site.
Family movie nights will go through September this year. Benson said there are plenty of Thursday nights left for people to attend. He said it’s always free and a way for the community to spend time together in a healthy way. So far, approximately 25-30 people are coming out. He’s hoping for even more attendance.
Benson said Paradox Cycle is not profiting from the movie night events. He said the only thing he is getting out of it is seeing his fellow community members on bikes and gathering together in a safe, friendly way.
He agreed community events like family movie night are something that vibrant, thriving communities do. Telluride’s Mountain Village has summer concert series; Ridgway has something similar. Norwood is now offering Try-it-Tuesdays for inclusive community events, and it only makes sense that the West End would have its own version of a weekly, summer gathering.
Benson said the West End might not have a drive-in anymore, but people can still come together for a movie experience.
He said he’s very grateful for Bachman and her team that made the Naturita Town Park what he considers one of the best parks around. He said it’s something to be proud of.
He added family movie nights will only keep getting better. Next year, Wild Gal’s Market and the West End Farm and Craft Markets will also be stationed in Naturita. He said that should all make for a great season next summer, too.
