Free Summer Kids Movie Series Shatters Records

With trio of movies yet to see, Free Summer Kids Movie Series breaks records

Parks Commissioners L-R Antonio Baciu, Mario Jimenez, Angel Herrera, and Erin Hyland. Not pictured is Richard Martinez.

CATHEDRAL CITY — There are three movies left to view in the Free Summer Kids Movie Series but attendance has already broken previous records. Some 500 children have lined up to see the films, which have included ‘Minions,” and “Mummies.”

“I’m happy to bring the Free Summer Kids Movie Program back to its original attendance,” Antonio Baciu, a member of the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE), told Uken Report. “It had fallen off for several years. “PACE made it a priority to bring this amazing program (to) the kids in our city. I am so happy for the record attendance this summer; this is a worthwhile program for our city.”

The “Free Summer Kids Movie Series” is made possible by the Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission, in partnership with the Mary Pickford Theatre.

The Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission is also offering free water and a small popcorn for the first children at each event during the 8-week period, according to Ryan Hunt, communications manager for the city. The cost for this participation is $450 from the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 PACE Small Events Budget, which the City Council approved on May 24. On at least two occasions Councilmember Raymond Gregory purchased water so all children could have a cool drink, Baciu said. Gregory also bought popcorn for six weeks.

Kids line up for the free movie,

“I am very excited about the ability to be able to provide a service to our community that allows budget-challenged families to have a safe, cool, and fun outing in the summer,” Ted Hane, general manager of the Mary Pickford told Uken Report. “Additionally, the sponsorship allows for other groups and the general public, besides the Friday city event, to have access to the theater for reduced cost or free tickets on other days during the week.”

The increased funding for free popcorn and water to the first 100 kids has helped with gaining attendance along with the excitement and dedication of the Parks and Event commissionaires that have taken the time to support the program and spread the word, Hane said.

“Each week we have gained attendance,” he said.

Additionally, the sponsorship allows for other groups and the general public, besides the Friday city event, to have access to the theater for reduced cost or free tickets on other days during the week, Hane said. Groups include: Variety of the Desert, YMCA, Kings School and the Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City.

“The attendance numbers on Friday is not the only measure of the success of the entire program,” Hane said.

The free movies run thru Friday, Aug. 4. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. The film series offers free admission to see a different movie geared towards kids each Friday morning at the Mary Pickford Theatre in Downtown Cathedral City.

Seating is limited and residents can pick up the free Priority Line Passes one week in advance at the Cathedral City Public Library, 33520 Date Palm Drive.

You may still attempt to go to the film series without a Priority Line Pass, but you will be placed in a standby line. Once the Priority Line Pass is empty, those waiting in the standby line will be admitted if seats are still available.

REMAINING SUMMER SCHEDULE