Outdoor family movie, music event begins July 5 in Snohomish
Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 5, 2018
So it’s the day after the Fourth of July. What to do with the kids?
A new family outdoor summer film series kicks off July 5 in Snohomish with “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.”
The movies will be shown in a field at Thomas Family Farm — a spot known for selling its sweet corn in the summer and pumpkins in the fall.
The movies will be projected on a 40-foot by 60-foot screen — roughly as tall as a four-story building, said Bobby Eggelston, producer of the event dubbed Summer on the Farm.
“Once you see the screen, it’s pretty impressive,” he said.
The Thursday evening events also include food trucks, live music and games for kids — all geared for families, he said. The series of nine scheduled movies, which includes “The Lion King,” “Spiderman” and “Coco,” concludes Aug. 31.
Thursday nights were chosen because of what seemed to be a gap in available summer family activities.
Evening summer movies are scheduled in some local cities, Eggelston said. And families often have jammed weekends.
“We wanted a different night,” he said. “We thought Thursday would be a good night.”
He said he wanted the event to be much like seeing a movie in a theater, so concessions will include popcorn and cotton candy. Food entrees will vary some, depending on which food trucks are available, but are expected to include hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, as well as chicken and Asian dishes.
Gates open at 5 p.m. It’s festival seating, so “put down your blanket and lawn chairs,” Eggelston said.
Live entertainment provided by local bands will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue until the movie starts at 9:15. First up will be country singer Aaron Crawford, a Snohomish High School graduate whose albums include “Hotel Bible.”
Up to three bands will perform each week, and attendees will have the opportunity to vote for the best act, Eggelston said. The winner is scheduled to be decided at the Aug. 31 showing.
It’s a new venture for the farm, which, in addition to selling produce, has a Halloween haunted house and facilities for wedding receptions.
“We’re trying to do something good for the community,” said Marv Thomas, who co-owns the farm with his brother, Dennis Thomas.
Among the kids’ activities will be a 100-foot slide bought from a California amusement park. It was a hit with children when the farm had it available during its October events, Marv Thomas said.
“The kids get on and never get off,” he said.
The farm has reserved 5 acres for the showings, and there’s a big area for parking, he said.
Both Thomas and Eggelston said they hope to make it an annual summer event.
“We’re so excited to bring this to the farm,” said Marv Thomas’ wife, Debbie Thomas. “Hopefully, people will come out and have some some fun before the movie starts.”
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.
If you go
Summer on the Farm, a nine-week outdoor series of family movies, will kick off July 5 at Thomas Family Farm, 9010 Marsh Road, Snohomish. The events include food trucks, games for kids, costume contests and live music. Gates open at 5 p.m. Movies will begin at 9:15 p.m. Cost is $6 for those 6 and older if paid by credit card; cash is $5. Children 5 and younger get in free. More at www.thomasfamilyfarm.com.
