The popular Rotary Movie Night returned August 25 drawing more than 1800 to Corvallis’ Avery Park with an evening of carnival-like activities and the showing of the 1939 blockbuster classic “The Wizard of Oz” under the stars.
After a highly-successful 2015 debut organized as a community service by the Rotary Club of Greater Corvallis, this year’s movie night featured a classic movie projected at dusk onto a 40-foot screen backed by professional sound equipment. The evening was complemented by an early evening magic show, music, a youth Oz costume contest, a food court and beer garden of local vendors, a community raffle and the message of Rotary’s commitment to service locally and globally.
The event was free. Proceeds from concession sales, raffle prize ti ckets and related activities will be used to support the club’s various community service projects and Rotary’s continuing commitment to eradicate polio worldwide. Food and beverage vendors included Woodstock’s Pizza, McWeenie’s Hot Dogs, First Alternative Co-Op, Corvallis Parks and Recreation, Big Tony Brown Barbecue, 2Towns Cider, Growler Garage and Sky High Brewing. The organizing Greater Corvallis Rotary had their own members take on the costumed roles of the movie’s characters entertaining the families on-site. Other club members provided information about Rotary’s local and international service projects throughout the night.
“Our Rotary club members chose ‘The Wizard of Oz’ as their preferred movie because it is a classic that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages,” said club president Judy Corwin. “After our inaugural Rotary Movie Night last summer drew 1500 people, we received many requests to offer the event again so we’re happy to provide an encore.”
In addition to the Rotary club, event sponsors included presenting sponsor Barker-Uerlings Insurance and major sponsors Legend Homes, Direct Mortgage/Van Melick, Running Princess, Fidelity National Title, Samaritan Health Services and Town & Country Realty.
