Published on July 12, 2009.

Music filled the air as families arrived at Valley Court Park, 400 Hillside Court, on Thursday for the first night of the Moonlight Film Festival. My Neighbor’s Dog entertained the audience from 8:30 p.m. until the 9:30 p.m. free showing of “The Tale of Despereaux.”

The music was enjoyable and watching the children run around and play was fun. When it came time for the movie, I was taken back by the size of the screen. I expected the movie to be shown on the side of the building. After all, it was outside in a park. The screen was a little on the small side, but it was still easily seen from the different locations in the park.

Even though it wasn’t set up the way I had anticipated, it was a great experience — similar to watching a movie at a drive-in. Despite the movie being targeted for a younger audience, the atmosphere was what kept me from wanting to leave.

The movie was interesting, but seeing the families sitting on blankets and lawn chairs made me wish I had done something like this when I was younger. Experiencing something as low-key and laid back as sitting in a park and watching a movie outside is a nice change from the everyday DVD player or computer viewing. It takes you back to when times were more simple and less complicated by technology.

Although the evening was fun and relaxing, the only part that could have been better would be designated smoking areas and a no-pet policy. Bringing pets to a park to enjoy the nice summer weather is fine so long as it isn’t expected to stay seated throughout an entire movie without getting a little rowdy and rambunctious. Seeing the animals being forced to sit down and stay calm was a lot to ask for, especially when there were little kids running around and playing.

A designated smoking area would benefit everyone since there were younger kids there and not everyone enjoys breathing in secondhand smoke. Instead of sitting in the middle of everyone and smoking, perhaps they could move to the outer part of the seating area.

The rest of the Moonlight Film Festival runs every Thursday from July 9 through Aug. 27, except Aug. 6. To keep it a family venue, the movies scheduled for the upcoming weeks include “Ghostbusters,” “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa,” “Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” “Get Smart,” “Forrest Gump” and “The Dark Knight.”

Not only is it great for families and friends, but it’s also a nice way to enjoy the outdoors and begin winding down the work week. I would recommend arriving early to get a parking spot and to find prime seating.