Free Akron Outdoor Movies announces a free showing of the film “The Karate Kid,” the group’s seventh annual movie at Glendale Cemetery. The movie will be shown Saturday, Saturday, Sept. 8, on the Great Meadow of the historic Glendale Cemetery at 150 Glendale Avenue, near downtown Akron.
Gates and trolley service will open at 6 p.m. and the film will begin around 8 p.m. This is a free event and open to the public.
The original 1984 classic “The Karate Kid” is a fierce yet endearing underdog story of friendship between high schooler Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and his apartment maintenance man turned martial arts trainer Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) as the teenager prepares to take on his rival in the All Valley Karate Tournament. Through Miyagi’s mentoring, LaRusso learns important life lessons, overcomes adversity and ultimately faces his opponent in an epic match.
After years of renting smaller screens for each showing, this film will be the first shown on a brand new, 20-foot-wide, inflatable rear projection screen, thanks to a recent grant from Knight Foundation. “We’re so grateful to Knight Foundation for generously supporting Free Akron Outdoor Movies and helping us activate public spaces and connect our city,” said Chris Miller, a member of the FAOM planning committee.
Moviegoers are encouraged to arrive early to picnic, with local food vendors including Stray Dog Cart, The Popcorn Truck, The Square Scullery and Popsmith. The West Hill Community Development Corporation will be selling snacks, candy, hot cocoa and water. Artist and educator Sarah Gott will lead a pre-movie craft for children. Also, attendees of all ages are invited to stack rocks with Ed Cote.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own low chairs, blankets and flashlights, but are asked to leave pets at home. Parking and trolley service will run from the parking lot above Glendale at 182 Wills Ave. From the main entrance, go up the Locust Street hill and turn right onto Wills Avenue. Two trolleys provided by the city of Akron will run on a loop between the lot and the meadow until 8 p.m. and then resume following the movie.
Additional walk-in parking is available across the street from the west entrance at January Paint & Wallpaper, 394 West Exchange St.
In the case of rain, the event will be moved back one day to Sunday, Sept. 9, at the same times. For weather updates, check the Facebook event at www.facebook.com/events/260318931265068.
Free Akron Outdoor Movies is a volunteer committee that plans and hosts several free outdoor movies each summer. The events are always free, but donations of any amount are welcomed. This event is made possible by the generous support of Knight Foundation and Akron Community Foundation. In kind support provided by the city of Akron, the Akronist and Glendale Cemetery.
