BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARD, Insider Editor
Seven Lakes Fire and Rescue is inviting the community to experience the big screen in the hornet’s nest.
While that sounds like a potentially dangerous invitation, you are unlikely to get stung. Rather, the hornet is the mascot of the department, and the station is the “nest.” Emblazoned on the front of the station’s engines is the phrase “Hornets Nest,” an endearing reminder of where the equipment and crew are housed.
“Movies in the Nest” is a new community program sponsored by the department.
“The idea was born out of small talk between me and the deputy chief with the current local movie theater future not clear,” said Tim Bouchelle, Public Education and Information Officer. “We wanted to do a program that was something new and fresh that would engage all the citizens in our community.”
Bouchelle and the fire chief will select movies based on the target audience and the time of year. The membership and officers of the station will assist with the logistics.
The first showing of the bimonthly feature films will be May 7 at 6:30 p.m. Beginning with Hercules (Rated G), movies will be shown every other month through October, with a special Christmas showing in December. Future movie titles will be announced through the station’s Facebook page. Parents are encouraged to determine whether the selected film is age-appropriate for their child.
Flicks will be viewed on an inflatable screen in the firehouse bay or outside, depending on weather conditions and crowd size. While folding chairs will be provided, personal camping chairs are allowed for a more comfortable experience.
Entry to the event is free, but people are welcome to make a contribution to the station through a donation jar. Since no movie-going experience is complete without snacks, concessions of popcorn, snow cones and water will be sold. According to Bouchelle, all proceeds from the event will go to the station’s public education budget.
Emergency services will not be hindered, the station assures: “All apparatus will be staged for quick and safe deployment so the show can continue without interruption and the community will still receive the highest level of service.”
Seven Lakes Fire and Rescue considers this new program a way to give back to the community that gives them so much support. They look forward to seeing everyone at the show.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
