The Parks and Recreation Department Movies in the Park are now in the fall rather than summer, making it cooler and more convenient. Photo courtesy of the City of Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) - It's not too late to catch a movie.

It's a free movie, at that. The Dixon Parks and Recreation Department's Movies in the Park family-friendly Universal and Pixar lineup is back.

“Last year, we saw a huge turnout at Movies in the Plaza during the summer months,” said the city’s public information officer Madeline Graf. “We transitioned the movies to the fall so we can have an earlier start time: 7:30 p.m. instead of 8:45 p.m. and are hosting them on Saturdays instead of Wednesdays so that it is easier for families and children to attend.”

Although the first film, “Migration,” a tale about a family of mallards, was shown Sept. 21, there is still time to see the other two films.

On Sept. 28, the movie “IF” will light up Hall Park with the tale of a young girl who becomes surrounded by long-lost imaginary friends to help her through a tough time.

Showing Oct. 5, “Coco” is a Day of the Dead tale about a child musician who seeks to alter his family's ban on music in the afterlife.

Officials expect a large turnout for the hit films.

“We have moved the movie nights to Hall Park, providing a larger area for movie viewing and more parking,” Graf said.

Local sponsors pick up the tab for the gratis event and, Graf said, there would be no film series without them. This year's four sponsors are Johnson Group Remax Gold, WhiteBrenner, Rotary Club of Dixon and the Lambtown Festival. 

“By sponsoring Movies in the Park, they are providing a free recreational opportunity to all residents and visitors of Dixon,” Graf said.

Sponsoring Movies in the Plaza provides an opportunity to reach new customers.

Pictured here is the Movies in the Park 2024 banner. Photo courtesy of the City of Dixon

Movies in the Park provides businesses with an opportunity to connect with residents, according to the public information officer. Some sponsorship options include business logo advertisements before and after the movie, airing a commercial and setting up a booth on-site for more information on local commerce. 

“This can boost the local economy and support small businesses,” Graf said.

All business aside, Movies in the Park creates a sense of community by bringing residents together, according to the public information officer.

“Families, friends, and neighbors gather in a shared space, fostering connections and strengthening community bonds,” Graf said. “By offering a free event, everyone can enjoy a night out.”

Graf added that inclusivity ensures that entertainment is accessible to all community members.

“Movies in the park offer a unique and enjoyable opportunity for local community members to come together and get to know each other,” Graf said.

The series is such a success, Graf said, that officials are already considering the 2025 lineup. She encourages any interested sponsor to contact the Parks and Recreation Department.

“By participating in events like Movies in the Park, local community members can help to foster a more connected, supportive and vibrant community,” Graf said.