Huntington's "Movies on the Lawn"

By Michael R. Ebert
michael.ebert@newsday.com

Six-year-old Kayla Johnson of Huntington has seen “Curious George” five times, but it felt like the first time at Dix Hills Park several weeks ago.

“The screen was really big,” explained Kayla with an excited twinge in her voice. “And I could see the clouds and stars. I think I liked it better than seeing a regular movie.”

Little Kayla isn’t alone. The Town of Huntington’s “Movies On the Lawn” program, which kicked off its fourth season on June 27, has seen more and more families flock each year to watch their favorite flicks on an inflatable screen equipped with surround sound.

Last night, “Flushed Away” headlined a lawn performance at Heckscher Park that the town estimated drew at least 400 people. The Academy Award-winning comedy, “Happy Feet,” will conclude the town’s summer series with a drive-in screening at Crab Meadow Beach on August 23. The shows start at sundown and town officials suggest that moviegoers pack lawn chairs, even for drive-in performances, in the event that the parking lot fills up early.

“Parking is a challenge, because 80% of families bring large sport-utility vehicles,” said Huntington Councilman Mark Cuthbertson. “But there’s still plenty of room for viewing.”

While weather limited this year’s opener, “Curious George,” to a modest 250 spectators, the town is poised to fill every inch of grass with baskets and blankets in the coming weeks.

“Turnout has really gone up each year, as word has spread among local residents,” stated Cuthbertson, who launched the free program in 2003. “The first year, we must’ve gotten 400 calls from people asking if it was an actual drive-in. Since then, it’s gained steam and the crowds have consistently gotten bigger and bigger.”

Cuthbertson, who chooses the movies, says he generally gears his picks to families, although he’ll occasionally toss in a more dicey film selection—like “Jaws” in 2003—which attracted the town’s biggest audience at over 1,000 people. For extra enjoyment, the town also employs a special simulcast for drive-in viewers to access on their car radios, while providing popcorn to everyone in attendance courtesy of Northport’s LaCasa Café.

“Every year, I order 300 pounds of popcorn, and we’ve only had a bag or two left,” said owner Joe Celano, who attested that the lawns and lots are packed for each screening. “Since we’re the main concessionaires down here, we’re more than happy to be involved.”

Inclement weather moves the movies to the John Glenn High School Auditorium. In those instances, show times will be scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Caption: Above, a scene from "Flushed Away"