Movies, Funnel Cakes, and Your Own Blanket

Summertime often brings repetitive movie nights seasoned by the same old microwavable popcorn. If you're itching for something different, the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center is hosting events for an audience of family and friends looking to have some frugal fun. With the Moval Rocks concert coming to close Thursday night, and children lining up to play on the bouncy castle beside the screening area, an inflatable screen went up in preparation for the movie Toy Story 3. The dissipating veil of bubbles from the children in the audience glowed with the summer sun, and excitement hummed over the crowd of pop-up chairs and blankets. The overwhelming feeling of community was helped by the casual picnic feel. “We have great vendors, but people are welcome to bring their own food as well,” said Jose Renvon of the setup staff. Behind the grassy field, vendors like The Sweet Shop and Rocky Mountain Apple lined the street serving up goodies from nachos to banana-split funnel cake and chocolate covered apples. Another vendor nearby sold blinking neon swords and stuffed animals for those looking to bring home a souvenir. To the side, event sponsors waited, ready to give information to those wondering about their role in the event. “I’ve never attended before,” said Erica Bailey from Stoneridge Dental Group and Orthodontics, “It’s a wonderful opportunity to help people find out about our office.” Being her first time out, she remarked on how nice it was that the event was open to movie-goers with and without kids. While Toy Story 3 may seem more suited for younger audiences, the film harkened back to those generations who'd grown up with the brand. Anyone was welcome to kick back and enjoy the free show, and as audience member Yunike Moya said, "It's happening! It's the place to be Thursday nights." A calm settled over the grass as the screen lit up and the movie played, which had a run time of 109 minutes and started around 8:30 p.m. Head to the grassy field behind the center on 14075 Frederick St, Moreno Valley, Thursday nights until August 7th for a free movie event outdoors. Don't forget to bring a blanket!