ATCO invites you to watch the stars under the stars at Spruce Meadows
The outdoor movie, a classic rite of summer, is being embraced at Spruce Meadows.
Movies at the Meadows — part of Spruce Meadows’ Soak up the Summer with ATCO — takes place Wednesday evenings from July 19 to Aug. 23.
Tickets cost $20 per carload at the gate, or $15 in advance at sprucemeadows.com. The gates will open at 7:30 p.m. and each movie starts at dusk at Meadows on the Green.
“This is our invitation to you to bring the family and come soak up the summer at Spruce Meadows,” says Ian Allison, senior vice-president with Spruce Meadows.
“Get here early and you can have a nice dinner outside, and then you can sit under the stars and enjoy a movie.”
Films are being chosen by popular vote via the Spruce Meadows Facebook page. Movie buffs and horse lovers can pick from a recent release, a horse-themed movie or a classic; the film that gets the most votes will be shown.
The first three movies, however, have already been chosen. The Princess Bride will be screened July 19. Directed by Rob Reiner, The
Princess Bride tells the story of a beautiful princess (played by actress Robin Wright) who teases the farmhand who works for her, only to realize she is actually in love with him — and he loves her. He must then seek his fortune, so they can marry. It’s considered by many critics to be one of the best comedies and movie love stories of all time.
Next up will be the classic adventure flick, Raiders of the Lost
Ark, on July 26. Produced by George Lucas and directed by Steven Spielberg, this 1981 blockbuster stars Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, an archeologist and adventurer tasked with finding the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis do. Then, on Aug. 2, Beauty and
the Beast will be shown at Spruce Meadows.
This hit Disney musical romance was released earlier this year, and retells the classic story of an ugly prince who falls in love with a beautiful young woman, played, in this case, by Emma Watson.
The star-studded cast also includes Dan Stevens, Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Kline and Ian McKellen.
Each movie will be screened, rain or shine, notes Allison.
“If there are showers, we do have plans in place so that our guests can sit inside,” he says.
“But our hope is that we won’t have to use it.”
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets so you can sit on the grass and relax. And you can pack a picnic or buy food, everything from hamburgers to wine, to a frosty Spruce Meadows Oxer Ale will be on site, he says.
A variety of eateries will be open, including Cafe Vino and the Flavours of the World Cafe.
“There will be a lovely European town centre vibe, with beautiful gardens and music and people,” Allison says.
“And, of course, there will be popcorn.”
There will be a lovely European town centre vibe, with beautiful gardens and music and people. And, of course, there will be popcorn.”