Family films hit big screen

Three family classics will return to the big screen beginning this Saturday with Columbia County's first Screen on the Green.

The 2001 Disney-Pixar animated feature Monsters, Inc. will kick things off at the Columbia County Amphitheater and Memorial Garden.

Stacie Adkins, Columbia County's community events manager, said families should arrive early to pick the perfect viewing spot.

Monsters, Inc. will be followed on Sept. 16 by the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz and on Sept. 23 with 1985's The Goonies.

All movies will begin at dark, and the cost of admission is $1 for all ages.

"We tried to pick three different movies that were family-oriented but that would appeal to three different age groups (children, teens and adults)," Adkins said.

Columbia County Community and Leisure Services contracted an Atlanta company to bring a 25-by-35-foot inflatable screen that will be placed on the amphitheater stage, she said.

Adkins said patrons should bring blankets to sit on. Between the amphitheater and the lawn of the memorial gardens there is enough space for about 1,500 viewers.

A temporary concessions station will be open until the permanent concession stand, which is under construction, can be completed.

Adkins said the permanent facility might be completed in time for the Sept. 16 or Sept. 23 movie.

Patrons can bring their own food and drinks, but alcohol is prohibited.

According to the United States Naval Observatory, sunset for Saturday is 7:43 p.m.

Sunsets for Sept. 16 and Sept. 23 will occur at 7:33 p.m. and 7:23 p.m., respectively.