Moonlight Movies in East Park wraps up for the season

MASON CITY – Saturday night, the final Moonlight Movie of the summer was shown at East Park in the Band Shell.

This summer, 5 movies were shown.  Thanks to dedicated volunteers, the movies were free to the public and gave families another way to spend time together.

Steadfast cheerleader Janice Easley has been behind the event, urging folks to come out to the park and of course, raising money so the movies could go on.

Craig Binnebose has been the man with the projector.  He dedicates the equipment and his time, also helping at the Thursdays on Main event in Clear Lake this summer so movies could be shown there.

Mary Markwalter was once again at the event.  She baked chocolate chip cookies, three for a dollar (they were quite delicious).

Mary and Craig were at the little concession area, greeting movie-goers while handing out popcorn and pop and of course, watching the movie (Battleship).  The pair has only accepted donations for the food and drink; any funds collected help pay for movies next summer.

“We do get local sponsors to pay for some of the movies and with the donations, it all goes to pay for the rights to show the movies,” Craig said.  Some of those sponsors included Harley of Mason City, North Iowa Credit Union, In Home Optics, Whiskey Creek, City of Mason City, and Friends of the Library.

The turnout this summer was steady, with roughly 120 people attending most evenings.

“We’ve been real happy with how the event has turned out,” Mary said.  “It’s a very relaxing evening in the park.”