Prepare for fall festivities with the Ruby Movie Series

Sep. 9—Hazel Ruby McQuain Park invites folks to cozy up with some blankets and popcorn at the first-ever Ruby Movie Series beginning this Sunday at the Ruby Amphitheater. Every Sunday until Oct. 29 will feature two free movie screenings.

With the addition of the Ruby Ampitheater's new high-definition digital video screen, movies can be viewed under sunlight with full visibility—there's no need to wait until dark for the festivities to begin. The screen has previously been used during concerts to provide better views of performing artists, and movie nights seemed like the perfect next step.

Each Sunday, two movies will be shown, one at 5 p.m. and another at 7 p.m. The first is a family-friendly option for attendees of all ages to enjoy, and the second is suited for older children and adults. To make it more interesting, though, the movie selections for each night follow a theme.

"We wanted current movies that people might like to see, and then we thought about movies that might go good together, " said Arts and Cultural Development Director Vincent Kitch. "We tried to pick things that were contemporary and then put together a diverse lineup that we think people will like."

This includes fun combinations like The Lego Batman Movie and The Batman, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and The Flash.

Gather family and friends to spend some fall evenings by the river, comfortable in one of the amphitheater's 1, 600 seats or spread out on the lawn under the setting sun. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, snacks and drinks, with the exception of glass containers. There will also be a selection of food vendors with refreshments and popcorn.

The Ruby Movie Series will wrap up with a showing of Monster House and Rocky Horror Picture Show, following a trick-or-treat event at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to arrive to the movies in costume, barring props or anything disruptive.

With the showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show, so too will Hazel Ruby McQuain Park's events wrap up for the year, as the park closes for the winter on Oct. 31.

"We're hoping that it will be successful and popular, and we just hope everyone will come out, " said Kitch. "If there's a good audience, then it's something we can try to do every year."

Movies are scheduled to play as follows. Keep up to date on potential changes at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park Facebook page, Facebook.com /RubyAmpWV. Movies will play rain or shine thanks to the amphitheater's roof, with the exception of extreme weather.

Sept. 10 5 p.m.: Lightyear 7 p.m.: Top Gun: Maverick Sept. 17 5 p.m.: Strange World 7 p.m.: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Sept. 24 5 p.m.: The Super Mario Bros. Movie 7 p.m.: Ant Man & The Wasp: Quantumania Oct. 8 5 p.m.: The Bad Guys 7 p.m.: Fast X Oct. 15 5 p.m.: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 7 p.m.: The Flash Oct. 22 5 p.m.: Monster House 7 p.m.: Rocky Horror Picture Show