Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has teamed up with Lake Superior State University (LSSU), Nicolet Bank, and Chippewa County Community Foundation (CCCF) to show movies "Friday Nights at Dusk," set to kick off at city hall this evening with "The Super Mario Bros. Movie."
Nintendo's Princess Peach assists her dear friend Mario as he prepares to save the world from his greatest rival to date — Bowser.
Here is a schedule of future show times to come:
- Friday, July 28: "DC League of Super-Pets"
- Friday, Aug. 4: "Sing"
- Friday, Aug. 11: "Clifford the Big Red Dog"
- Friday, Aug. 18: "The Mighty Ducks"
- Friday, Aug. 25: "Encanto"
"The idea of showing movies all came to fruition a few months ago," DDA Director Stephanie Sprecker said. "A movie series is something I have wanted to do since first starting this position last year."
Nicolet Bank Mortgage Loan Officer Jessica Kaunisto had a similar idea in mind to increase family engagement.
"I helped Stephanie plan and organize the movies," Kaunisto said. "We just wanted something fun for families to enjoy together on a nice summer evening."
Nicolet Bank donated $2,000 to purchase the movies. More money was needed for licensing.
"Licensing for six movies gets expensive," Sprecker said. "So, I applied for a grant through Chippewa County Community Foundation's Youth Enrichment Fund. That funded $1,600. We were able to get licensing for six movies."
But movie equipment was still needed. LSSU) Dean of Student Affairs Michael Beazley stepped up to donate the necessary equipment.
In case of a rainy day, LSSU has also agreed to show the movies at its Student Activities Center (SAC).
"I would like to give a huge shout out to Nicolet Bank, LSSU, and Chippewa County Community Foundation for helping to make 'Friday Nights at Dusk' possible," Sprecker said. "I hope people eat and shop downtown prior to really enjoy the downtown experience."
