The Theophilus Tower lawn has felt empty for the last few months since COVID-19 forced students to study remotely. Soon, moviegoers will crowd the lawn once again with blankets, snacks from home and other movie-going gear.
Beginning this Friday, Vandal Entertainment (VE) will transition from hosting Moscow Drive-in to Screen on the Green.
Over the past several years, Screen on the Green has started in June. The event was moved back this year before the COVID-19 pandemic due to University of Idaho budget cuts. Starting later this year proved to be a good move because June was wet and therefore not a great time to watch movies outside, regardless of COVID-19, VE Supervisor Laurel Meyer said.
The event has always been popular, she said, with over 200 people typically showing up for each movie. The Moscow Drive-in was started due to this strong interest from the community. Earlier in the summer, VE collaborated with Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, the City of Moscow and others to make the drive-in a reality in May and June.
Hosting Screen on the Green is easier because fewer resources are necessary. The drive-in used a large LED metal screen and organizers needed to direct parking. Screen on the Green’s screen is inflatable and organizers don’t need to direct parking.
“(Screen on the Green) is a fun event, people bring their blankets and snacks, they get up, talk and move around,” Meyer said. “Summer in Moscow is the most beautiful of all seasons and the event takes advantage of the warm summer evenings.”
VE hopes the event doesn’t seem too different from prior years. As of now, Meyer said she hopes VE will not need to cancel or alter the event. Organizers will be watching COVID-19 cases in the area, recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and concerns from the community and university.
Popcorn will not be given away, as it has been in prior years, but VE encourages patrons to bring their own snacks to the movie. VE does not want to encourage people to pass around food, Meyer said.
VE will collaborate with other organizations on campus for scheduled movies in the future. On July 23, VE will partner with the Office of Multicultural Affairs to show “Just Mercy,” which focuses on racism in the criminal justice system in the U.S. VE will also partner with the Residence Hall Association to show “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” on August 27 for UI students returning to campus.
During the event, bathrooms will be open in the Living Learning Communities (LLCs). Attendees are asked to wear masks while the city requires them and are encouraged to keep a six-foot distance from other groups.
This article has been corrected to reflect that Vandal Entertainment will not be serving popcorn this year.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Emily_A_Pearce