Movie classic "the Goonies" shown in park

Center City Park was packed last night for the monthly free movie screening. With puppies tied to light posts, parents pushing strollers, and most grass space covered with blankets and lawn chairs, what appeared to be an inflatable screen donned the Goonies. The sound system echoed off the surrounding buildings, and I knew it was summertime.

The only thing wrong besides a brief glitch in the middle where the film stopped working was the delayed beginning, no doubt due to the fact that it wasn't dark enough at 8:30 to start the film. We were fine to sit out on the grass, tugging at weeds and catching up while we waited, but as a friend pointed out the countless parents there with kids running around were likely upset at the late start.

In addition to the short glitch, the film was only interrupted by the fireworks erupting at the nearby Grasshoppers stadium, the sound of revving engines, and the voices of children who couldn't sit still, instead choosing to run around in small groups with their sneakers flashing blue light with every step.

The movie nights happen every third Friday from May until September, with the next screening — of Madagascar — showing August 19 and the last film of the season being We Are Marshall. The event series is sponsored by the Friends of Center City Park, and you can find more information on their website.