Uptown Station releases Movie Night schedule for 2010

Uptown station began holding free family movie nights about 5 years ago, first in the parking lot of the shopping center and then in Central Park, the village green, fountains and playground area in the center of Uptown Station. Movies are shown on an inflatable 30’ movie screen – the only one on the Emerald Coast.

Initially, crowds were small, but they have increased significantly over the past year. Now anything from 80 to 200 people arrive at Uptown Station up to an hour before the movie to get a good spot, where (depending on the weather) they either cuddle up under their rugs, or lay out their blankets and lawn chairs and settle in for an evening free entertainment.

Movie nights used to start in March with one per month, increasing to two per month during the summer. Now however, the popularity an demand have encouraged Uptown Station to start their first Movie Night in February (no February 13th – for Valentines Day), and to have two Movie Nights per month from March through to the end of September. From October to December, it’s one per month.

This year offers a wide range of movies from traditional kid’s cartoons and animations to blockbusters like Harry Potter and the Twilight Saga. There is also a selection of more adult titles (Julie & Julia) but all are suitable for wide audience.

The exception is in October, when as well as showing a kid’s Halloween movie (Casper) early in the evening, Uptown Station has an adult only, 10pm showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when the audience dress up, and participate in by throwing rice, toast and joining in with the dialogue.

Along with the dinning choices of Uptown Station, Movie Night attracts vendors selling traditional movie popcorn, hot dogs etc.

The only items not allowed at Movie Night are pets and glass containers, but moviegoers are encouraged to bring their coolers and Wine World Outlet at Uptown Station has special Movie Night Packs with plastic bottles and carafes!

Uptown Station has recognized that their Central Park area has become a village green for Fort Walton Beach, and therefore they consider that Movie Night is a community event. There are therefore no admission charges.

The soundtrack of the movie, as well being heard on the surround sound system in the park is broadcast on FM106.9, so the audience can sit in their cars and tune in their radios.

Below is the schedule for 2010. In the event of bad weather (high winds or rain) Movie Night is postpones and announcements are made on the Uptown Station website, Facebook and Twitter.

Feb 13 6:30pm The Time Traveler’s Wife

Mar 6 6:30pm The Little Rascals

Mar 20 7:00pm Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince

Apr 3 7:30pm Julie & Julia

Apr 17 7:30pm Where the Wild Things Are

May 1 7:30pm Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

May 15 7:30pm Hannah Montana

Jun 12 8:00pm 17 Again

Jun 26 8:00pm Twilight Saga – New Moon

Jul 17 8:00pm Hairspray

Jul 24 8:00pm Hotel for Dogs

Aug 7 8:00pm Transformers

Aug 21 7:30pm The Princess and the Frog

Sep 4 7:30pm G-Force

Sep 18 7:00pm Up!

Oct 23 7:00pm Casper; 10:00pm The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Nov 20 5:00pm The Blindside

Dec 11 5:00pm Fred Claus