Farmville Hosts its 17th annual Stars under the Stars Outdoor Film Series

By Nicolette Mann, For the Southside Messenger

On Friday, July 11th, the town of Farmville invited citizens out to Crute Stage for a free movie under the stars. The event began at dusk; people arrived early to get a good spot to set up their lawn chairs and lay out blankets. Refreshments such as popcorn and candy were sold for a dollar apiece. The event was put on entirely through the effort of volunteers and through donations from local businesses such as Lib’s Place, Arts and Crafts Supply Store which donated the concession candy.

The history of Crute Stage goes back to the World War I era, when it was initially built to be an enclosed opera house. The stage would be known later as the State Theater in 1940 when it was remodeled. With its outer walls removed, what we now call Crute Stage today has become the perfect outdoor theater full of historical tradition. Events like the 17th annual Stars under the Stars Outdoor Film Series keep the tradition of Crute Stage alive and growing.

Back to the Future was the featured film this past Friday. A crowd gathered to enjoy this iconic, classic 80s film in which Marty and Doc Brown travel to the past and back in a DeLorean time machine. The sound and picture quality were both very nice, and the warm weather added to the comfortable evening. There was some excess time before the movie as the sky slowly grew darker, but the volunteers with Stars under the Stars had planned events such as a raffle and a Back to the Future trivia game to keep everyone entertained. Kids even had the opportunity to try on Marty and Doc Brown costumes for a picture.

In all, the Stars under the Stars July 11th event was an absolute success. The free movie gave citizens a chance to enjoy something a little out of the daily routine. It offered friends and family time to socialize together and relax on a summer evening with a film we all know and love. Volunteers with the Stars under the Stars Outdoor Film Series hope to keep the tradition going for as long as possible, so please be sure to support the event and attend the next free movie on August 8th. The film will be National Velvet. Bring your chairs and blankets but leave your pets at home. Be at Crute Stage early to snag a good seat!