E.T. phone McKelligon? CVB books free 'Movies in the Canyon' for October

The Convention and Visitors Bureau is getting into the free movie biz.

The CVB, which owns that inflatable screen rolled out for this year's Plaza Classic Film Festival, will set it up on the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre stage each weekend in October for free movies, including "Ghostbusters," a John Hughes tribute Oct. 16-17 and a special Halloween night double feature of "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" and "The Shining."

The idea for the "Movies in the Canyon" series, which debuts Oct. 2, evolved from a discussion about a "night at the drive-in" idea that came up after the screen was purchased for the film festival, according to Bill Blaziek, general manager of the EPCVB, which took over management of the 1,500-seat amphitheater two years ago.

"We hurried to get approvals," he said, noting that the expenses were nominal.

"The price is right," he said. "We're going after families. It's an affordable night out for them."

He said the series should be attractive particularly to families in the Northeast and on Fort Bliss, but I'll bet it'll generate traffic from all over town. People love their freebies here.

Blaziek said the CVB is saving money on copyright and other charges by not advertising the titles in print. But the schedule is on its web site, moviesinthecanyon.com, or by calling 534-0675.

He said the movie series is another way to put butts in the amphitheater seats — the summer saw the extension of the "Viva! El Paso" season by two weeks, the new Jazz on the Rocks series and scattered events, such as last Saturday's "Rockin the Rock: World Music Festival." That ties in with the CVB's other mission — improving the quality of life around here.

"The first benefit is to the resident," he said.

Admission is free. Pop corn, snacks and beverages will be for sale in the pavilion.

Here's the schedule (titles subject to change):

Oct. 2 — "An American Tale," 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 — "Ghostbusters," 9:30 p.m

Oct. 3 — "Peter Pan," 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 — "National Lampoon's Vacation," 9:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 — "The Karate Kid," 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 — "Beetlejuice," 9:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 — "Sixteen Candles," 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 — "The Breakfast Club," 9:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 — "Uncle Buck," 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 — "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," 9:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 — "October Sky," 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 — "Back to the Future," 9:30 p.m.

Oct. 24 — "Rudy," 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 — "Grease," 9:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 — "Shrek," 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 — "Poltergeist," 9:30 p.m

Oct. 31 — "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial," 7 p.m.

Oct. 31 — "The Shining," 9:30 p.m.

Comments

[Sarah Wilkerson-Sanchez]

What a great idea, can't wait to go.

[movies twitter]

Wow..What a fantastic idea !! I will surely go for it. I can't wait more for it. Thank you very much !!