WAKEFIELD — Wakefield’s public access TV organization, WCAT, announces the return of its popular Movies by the Lake series, now in its 10th year!
Started in 2015 as a collaboration with Wakefield Recreation Department and WCAT, each year (except 2020) four to six movies are shown on a large outdoor movie screen on the Lower Common next to Lake Quannapowitt.
Residents of Wakefield, Melrose and surrounding communities are invited to enjoy free entertainment.
This year the movies are “Inside Out 2” (July 17), “Sonic 3” (July 24), “Barbie,” which was partially rained out last summer (July 31), and “Wild Robot” (August 7).
There is one rain date each year and that is August 14.
The question most often heard is “When do the movies start each evening?” It has 100 percent to do with the timing of sunset and the best time to start the projection of the movie! Movies earlier in the summer start later – usually by 8:30 p.m. Later in the summer, movies can start earlier.
Come early and enjoy the activities and set up your spot on the lawn! Bring a picnic from area restaurants!
The movies are not possible without the support of a variety of sponsors. Sponsors have the option to be at one or more movies from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., setting up a table or area showcasing their business or organization. They often bring information, give out freebies, provide an activity, meet and greet people, sell products, etc.
WCAT provides endless bubbles for the young and young at heart.
An average of 300 to 350 area residents come together in the area in front of the bandstand. Noonan Concessions is available each movie.
Movie nights cost approximately $2,500 each with the 32’ movie screen with quad sound (Boston Backyard Movies), licensing for each movie (Swank) and additional minimal expenses. Besides funds from sponsors, collection buckets are passed before each movie is taken.
Sponsors so far this summer are:
Multiplatinum: The Savings Bank
Platinum: The Gingerbread Construction Co.
Diamond: Friends of Lake Quannapowitt (July 17), First Parish Congregational Church (July 24), Golden Rule Lodge, Hobby Bunker (TBA), Kids’
Test Kitchen, Reading Cooperative Bank, The Farmland (July 17), Wakefield Rotary (August 7) Silver: Main St. Grille and Taphouse and Noonan Concessions.
Other organizations involved this summer are Wakefield Porchfest, Odyssey Day School and PAWS (July 31). There are a few pending sponsors.
For more information contact WCAT: Barbara Worley 781-224-0300 or barbara.worley@wcat.tv