Summer Movies Made Possible by Inflatable Movie Screen

Erin Trithart had struggled to readjust to small-town life after returning to Kittanning, Pennsylvania from Baltimore. When Downtown Kittanning Inc. began showing free movies once a month on a large screen at Riverfront Park, she was excited. “I think it's a great way for family and friends to spend a nice evening out in the park,” she said.

DKI launched the outdoor movie series in summer 2008 after receiving a $5,000 grant as part of Pennsylvania's Pittsburgh 250 regional anniversary celebration. The grant was used to purchase a 16-by-9-foot inflatable movie screen. Farmers and Merchants Bank, Toy's Market, and Cricket sponsored the movie licensing fees -- $200 per film. Concession proceeds funded Kittanning's Light-Up Night.

Early screenings drew about 250 people; by late summer, more than 400 were filling the amphitheater. “We'll do this annually for as long as the screen holds out,” said DKI president Marilyn Davidson. “We want to see this grow.”