Throwback season melds nostalgic films with nostalgic backdrop at McHenry Outdoor
It’s throwback season at the McHenry Outdoor, where nostalgic films displayed against a uniquely nostalgic backdrop set the tone for memorable fall nights under the stars.
See such iconic films as “Jurassic Park” and “Back to the Future” back on the big screen, thrill to the horror genre in October or check out the chockful-of-family-favorites September lineup, including “Cars” and “Shrek.”
Adding to all of that, special event nights will include everything from pet rescue organizations and pet-friendly vendors to area library offerings, face painting, balloons and other kid-centric activities.
“We love throwback season for so many reasons,” said Joe Cicero, president of Marketing and Promotions for the Outdoor, at 1510 Chapel Hill Road, Lakemoor.
“Giving movie buffs and families the chance to relive great film memories on the big screen is always a blast,” said Scott Dehn, owner of the McHenry Outdoor.
“Plus, special events like Bring Your Dog to the Movies (Aug. 28-29) give visitors the chance to learn about devoted pet rescues in our area while also giving those nonprofits the chance to become more well-known,” Cicero said. “It’s a great community vibe to see dog lovers chatting with each other as well as checking out various organizations they might want to support.”
Fittingly, showing during Bring Your Dog to the Movies will be 2002’s live-action “Scooby-Doo” and the 1992 film “Beethoven,” featuring Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt and a lovable, slobbering St. Bernard.
Dominique Allion is a volunteer and board president of Save-A-Pet in Grayslake, one of at least six pet rescue and adoption organizations that will be joined by about eight pet-focused vendors the last weekend of August. Allion said Save-A-Pet participated last year, and she and her cohorts can’t wait to return.
“We really enjoyed interacting with the public and their dogs,” she said. “This is the perfect way to connect fun movies about dogs and pet rescue organizations and highlight the role they play in the community.”
Other special events coming up include the return of Family Weekend, which will kick off Friday, Sept. 18, with Big Screen and Books, and continue Saturday, Sept. 19, with numerous kid-friendly activities like face painting, Cicero said.
Cherie Wright, director at River East Library at 813 W. Route 120, Lakemoor, said last year’s Big Screen and Books was a success, and she’s anticipating this year’s event.
“We bring energetic staff that love to talk to people about their library and how they can help others to have a good library visit,” she said. “Anytime we can meet the public and get library calendars and newsletters to them, it’s a good thing!”
Thirteen area libraries will participate Sept. 18, with representatives hosting games, providing library card signup information and more. The movies for Family Weekend will be “Shrek” followed by “Hook.”
“We have so many great movies lined up for this season,” Cicero said, while also noting that leashed, friendly dogs are always welcome, not only on Bring Your Dog weekend.
“Labor Day weekend is Disney’s ‘Cars' followed by ‘Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.’” Cicero said. “The first weekend of October is the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy. Then, for four weekends we’ll have Halloween fun, and our Christmas schedule will be out soon.”
Follow the Outdoor on social or check out the website for the latest, Cicero said. The McHenry Outdoor Theater is open Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 20. Showtimes, pricing and other details are available at goldenagecinemas.com.