Family films are focus of King County’s ‘Movies @ Marymoor’ summer lineup

From treasure hunts to road trips to alternate universes, the 2009 summer lineup of King County’s popular “Movies @ Marymoor” outdoor cinema series is sure to draw families to the park during the long summer evenings this July and August.

“Now in its fifth year, the “Movies @ Marymoor” outdoor cinema has become a much-anticipated summer event,” said King County Parks Director Kevin Brown. “There is plenty of room for families to spread out on MacNair Field, have a picnic before the movie starts, and enjoy an evening in King County’s Marymoor Park.”

This year’s series is all about adventure and features many special guests who will provide pre-movie entertainment, games and prizes.

Opening the series July 29 is the animated Tim Burton film, “Coraline,” followed on Aug. 5 when the Muppets invade Marymoor for the showing of the family classic, “The Muppet Movie.” Moviegoers Aug. 5 will be treated to special guests from the Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum, which is hosting the exhibit, “Jim Henson’s Fantastic World,” through Aug. 16.

The movie series resumes Aug. 12 with “Spiderwick Chronicles,” then wraps up Aug. 19 with a screening of the classic Northwest adventure, “The Goonies.” The final movie of the summer will feature a special appearance by the Seafair Pirates.

Movies are shown at MacNair Field, which is located in the center of the park. Movie-goers can park in the adjacent lot and there is a $1 parking fee which can be paid at the parking station. Regional event company Epic Events provides the 30-foot by 50-foot inflatable screen and audio support.

Seating opens at 7 p.m., and movies begin at dusk. Admission is free, and a $5/person or $15/family donation is suggested, which helps King County Parks underwrite the movie series.

Here’s the complete line-up and approximate start time for each movie:

July 29 (9:25 p.m.) – Coraline (PG)
Aug. 5 (9:10 p.m.) – The Muppet Movie (G)
Aug. 12 (8:50 p.m.) – The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
Aug. 19 (8:40 p.m.) – The Goonies (PG)

Seating is on the ground, and low-back lawn chairs or blankets are recommended. Popcorn, coffee and other treats are available for purchase from vendors in the park. Outside food is allowed, and movie-goers are encouraged to use the recycling bins. Alcohol use is strictly prohibited in King County Parks.

This is a dog-friendly event, and people with pets are asked to sit at the far end of the seating area. Pets are required to be on a leash and under control at all times, and owners must clean up after pets.

More information is available at www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/inventory/marymoor/movies.aspx , or by contacting the Marymoor Park office at 206-205-3661.

King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - offers more than 25,000 acres of parks and natural lands, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, plus pools and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs. Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/parks.

Related information

Movies@Marymoor

Marymoor Park