***This article is written by Elle Eastman, a participant in The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
Who knew baseball diamonds were for popcorn and movies?
The Kewanee Park District and IHMVCU did, and in partnership, organizers put on an evening of free family fun showing the blockbuster Super Mario Bros. Movie at Northeast Park. The event, which is held annually, transformed the park into an outdoor cinema, drawing in families for a night of entertainment under the stars.
Attendees were treated to free goodie bags filled with items to keep the kids entertained, along with servings of complimentary caramel and cheesy popcorn- all handed out by IHMVCU. As dusk settled in, and in order to add to the atmosphere, glow sticks were passed out to the kids.
Representatives from IHMVCU, Lexie Mendoza and Keely Young, who organize the event each year, expressed their gratitude to the community.
“We do this to let the community know that we appreciate their business with us, and they are more than just another face to us; they are family,” Young said.
Mendoza, commenting on the location, said “It is family friendly and it is free.”
By all standards, the evening in the park was declared a success, drawing over 200 people.
“If even one family came, we would consider it successful,” Mendoza said.
Parks Director Andrew Dwyer said he wasn’t able to attend the event this year, but he spoke with one park commissioner who did.
“She said it was well-attended and everyone seemed to have a really good time,” said Dwyer.
