Couple Wants to Give Back to River Bend with Portable Outdoor Movies

Jay and Stephanie Sinclair of Alton, Illinois recently bought a portable outdoor cinema system to rent to River Bend businesses and neighborhoods — and they're offering it free to community audiences, funded by host sponsors or on-site fundraising.

"We were hoping to bring some entertainment to the community," said co-owner Stephanie Sinclair. "We want to see something positive happen."

The 30-foot screen accommodates up to 1,000 people and is available for parks, parking lots, block parties, and community events. Their first event — Horton Hears a Who at Evangelical Church in Godfrey — drew 70 people without any sponsorship. Upcoming bookings include Liberty Bank's Grand Opening and a showing hosted by the YWCA of Alton.

"People are saying: this is really cool," said Sinclair. "We've had a lot of people talk about the sound quality being exactly like it is in the theater." For bookings: outdoorcinemaevents.com.