City's movies in the park series marks sixth year, continues rise in popularity

The summer sun drops behind the horizon, and over the loudspeakers come the familiar and perhaps forgotten melody of a Looney Tunes cartoon.

Every Saturday night in June and July hundreds of parents and children find their way to Archer Park on Business 83 for the Movies in the Park series. Popular Hollywood movies like Bee Movie and Phantom of the Opera are screened free, with moviegoers encouraged to bring their own food and seating.

"Some people bring pizza, others wine and cheese," said Erica De Leon, marketing and special events coordinator for the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department. "It's a real nice atmosphere. We get a lot of compliments."

Now in its sixth year, the selection of movies for the series has become the parks department's own version of balloting for the Academy Awards. De Leon, who also operates the projector, puts together a list of films for each night's theme - one Saturday might be Christmas in July, the next Father's Day.

Then about 20 parks employees will cast their votes - in the case of this Saturday Christmas with the Cranks, a movie about two empty nesters who decide not to celebrate Christmas.

Crowds vary based on the selection - animated films are most popular, De Leon said.

"I'm pretty much there every week," she said.

James Osborne covers McAllen and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4428.