Movie night celebrated Woodstock’s birthday

Despite the season winding down, the Deep Purple Lavender Farm plants still stood in vivid, eye catching colour. (Ron Yuzark Photo)

Ron Yuzark, Echo Correspondent

Woodstock’s Southside Park turned into an open air theatre on the evening of July 30 as part of ongoing 125th-anniversary celebrations, with families, friends, and movie lovers gathering for the community’s latest Movies in the Park feature: Disney’s animated hit Zootopia. The warm July night set the tone early. By dusk, blankets and lawn chairs stretched across the grass, children chased fireflies between picnic baskets, and the smell of popcorn drifted from the concession area. As the sun dipped behind the trees, the giant inflatable screen lit up, and the crowd settled in for the show. Hosted as part of Woodstock’s ongoing summer events series, tonight’s screening offered a relaxed, family friendly outing that drew residents from across the city. Occasional cheers rippled through the audience during favourite scenes, adding to the communal feel of the night. Volunteers and city staff were on hand throughout the event, helping with setup, guiding families to seating areas, and keeping the atmosphere welcoming and safe.