Clawson

Going to the movies

By Jeremy Carroll
C & G Staff Writer

Downtown Clawson to host movie night

CLAWSON — Downtown Clawson will be turned into a movie theater July 12, as the Downtown Development Authority is planning to hold its first-ever movie night, featuring the classic movie, “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.”   

Joan Horton, the DDA secretary, said they wanted to put on a family event for the city, which is very family-oriented.

“You know, it’s been a long time since anyone has gone to a drive-in,” she said.

The city recently gave the DDA permission to close down Main Street from East Tacoma to 14 Mile Road between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m. for the event.

The free movie will be shown on a massive 26-foot-by-15-foot screen that will be set up just south of 14 Mile Road and face south. Moviegoers are asked to bring chairs and blankets to watch the show. No need to bring popcorn though, that’s provided, Horton said.

The movie itself won’t begin until it starts getting dark, so some businesses will be providing entertainment in the meantime. The Wunderland Magic Shop will be showing magic tricks and Step Outside the Box will have kids’ games and treats. There will also be inflatables for kids.

“It should be a lot of fun,” Horton said. “Everyone can come, sit down and enjoy the movie.”

Mary Liz Curtin, chairperson of the DDA, said the event is being completely sponsored by local merchants.

“We thought it would be fun to do something downtown,” she said. “It was Joan’s idea, and she’s worked really hard on it.”

Curtin said it’s a great way to celebrate the city’s downtown.

Horton said she hopes the event becomes an annual tradition.

“This is our first year so we really don’t know what to expect,” Horton said.

If the event is rained out, the DDA has scheduled a rain date of July 19 at the City Park. For more information about the city’s DDA, visit their Web site at www.cityofclawson.com/clawsondda.htm.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Jeremy Carroll at jcarroll@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1110.