Free Akron Outdoor Movies announces a free showing of the film “The Wizard of Oz,” the group’s fifth annual movie at Glendale Cemetery.
The movie will be shown on Saturday, Sept. 17, on the Great Meadow of the historic Glendale Cemetery at 150 Glendale Ave., near downtown Akron. Gates and trolley service will open at 6 p.m. and the film will be shown at 8 p.m. This is a free event and open to the public.
Moviegoers are encouraged to come early to picnic, with local food vendors including The Square Scullery, Ms. Julie’s Kitchen and Akron Coffee Roasters. Popcorn, snacks, hot cocoa and soft drinks will be sold by West Hill Neighborhood Organization with proceeds offsetting the costs of presenting the film. smART Studio will lead a craft for children and children of all ages are invited to stack rocks with Ed Cote.
At 8 p.m., the giant inflatable screen will light up with the dust bowl era musical comedy-drama fantasy film, “The Wizard of Oz,” arguably the most-watched movie ever made. A masterpiece of early cinema, the film offers one of the finest examples of the hero (heroine’s) journey. “For five years now, we have enjoyed sharing our love of this beautiful, historic cemetery as well as our love of family-friendly films with our community,” said Karen Starr, a member of the FAOM planning committee. “We couldn’t think of a better movie to show this year than ‘The Wizard of Oz.'”
Attendees are welcome to bring their own low chairs, blankets and flashlights, but are asked to leave pets at home. Parking will be available in the city parking lot on Glendale Avenue outside the main gate and across the street from the West entrance at January Paint & Wallpaper, 394 W. Exchange St. Trolleys provided by the City of Akron will run on a loop between the main gate and the meadow until 8 p.m. and then resume following the movie. The Civil War Memorial Chapel will be open for visitors prior to the film.
In the case of rain, the event will be moved back one day to Sunday, Sept. 18, at the same times. For weather updates, check the Facebook event at www.facebook.com/events/1300803229944825/.
Free Akron Outdoor Movies is a volunteer committee that plans and hosts several free outdoor movies through the city each summer. The events are always free, but donations of any amount are welcomed. This event is made possible by the generous support of Akron Community Foundation, Kuhn Computer Solutions, Premier Bank and Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP. In kind support is provided by the city of Akron, West Hill Neighborhood Organization, the Akronist, Akron Coffee Roasters, Sully’s Party & Tool Rentals and Glendale Cemetery.
