One of the more popular events celebrating the anniversary of the founding of Los Banos was the popular free 'movie nights' that had been held in Henry Miller square a couple of years back. The free movie nights, (which actually started in 2005), became something of an annual tradition that the community looked forward to each summer. Sadly, the 'movie nights' were unexpectedly cut short when the financial crisis forced the city to make serious cuts to the Los Banos City budget. Since that time, members of the community have been trying to find a way to bring the 'movie night' tradition back again. Many wanted to continue to give residents an opportunity to come together and enjoy themselves while munching snacks and enjoying a movie in the open air. This weekend, thanks to the efforts of some committed organizations, companies, and individuals this special summer tradition is coming back to Los Banos!

The Los Banos Rotary Club has been passing out fliers that proclaim that the film will be rolling again this Saturday evening at 9 PM. This year however, instead of having the movie at Henry Miller Square, the film will be projected on a large two sided screen which will be set up at the Los Banos High School practice field located at Page near Hillview - not too far from the Student parking lot. The flier also makes note of entities responsible for bringing the movie night to the community this weekend, crediting the Los Banos Rotary Club, the Los Banos Unified School District, Comcast, and The City of Fresno. In a brief interview on Tuesday, Mike Villalta, the Rotary Club secretary stated "The Rotary club is honored to continue with this tradition and strives to give back to the community." He continues, " We think providing a family event is a great way to do that."

The film that is presently scheduled to be shown is the Disney/Pixar film "Wall-E", a thought provoking G-Rated movie about a lonely little robot that finds himself looking for love in what could only be termed a post-environmentally-apocalyptic earth. If that sounds a bit heavy handed, don't let it dissuade you from seeing the movie. The movie is a lot of fun as we follow a generic robot named Wall-E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter-Earth Class) through the trials and tribulations of trying to clean up a despoiled earth and perhaps finding 'love' in the process.

It is my opinion that this film has something for everyone, animation and an colorful story line for kids, several amusing pop-culture references on everything from sporks to Rubik's cubes to old movies for the adults and parents, and subtle and not so subtle commentaries infused into the story-line about the environment, culture, politics, technology, big-box stores, and even social-norming for those members of the audience who like to philosophize about the films they watch - even if they are "cartoons". Wall-E is a creative and colorful film which was made by some of the same folks that created "Finding Nemo", "Cars", and "Ratatouille".

Along with the free movie the event, coordinators are hoping to have other things available including a bounce house, food vendors, and perhaps other activities available for people to do. In addition, according to an email that was sent to Los Banos Rotary Club members on Saturday, the Rotary Club is hoping to collect some door prizes to give away to some of the people that attend.

The gates will open at the Los Banos High Practice Field (located Page near Hillview - not too far from the Student parking lot) around 8 PM and the movie will play at 9 PM when it gets dark. There is no charge for members of the public who wish to attend and view the film but the flier does suggest that people bring blankets or lawn chairs.

You can see a copy of the above mentioned flier here.

File Photo - Movie night 2007 was in Henry Miller Square. This year it will be at the High School Practicve Field.

If everyone in Los Banos would just take 1 or 2 hours a month to do something to help their neighborhood or their community we could truly make Los Banos the gem of the valley.

The above is only my personal opinion and I strongly encourage readers to seek out more information from expert sources. Copyright 2009