Leeds Launches 1st Friday Outdoor Family Movie Nights
Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce, Leeds Redevelopment Authority along with Leeds Jane Culbreth Library launched the first 1st Friday Outdoor Family Movie Night and it was a huge success. This was a soft opening to check out the new movie equipment and logistics. Everything worked great and the event was fabulous! Three Earred Rabbit stayed open late for people to dine in or carry out and served delicious food and treats. Lil Moma's outdoor food cart served hot dogs and nachos while Kona Ice served shaved ice treats. Encanto was the movie choice this month. A large group of families brought their lawn chairs to enjoy a fantastic evening with perfect weather. Kids could be seen sitting and lounging on their pallets while enjoying the movie on the big screen. Everyone had a wonderful time.
As part of the City’s downtown revitalization plan, Leeds Redevelopment Authority purchased the outdoor movie equipment back in the fall when plans were made to schedule outdoor movie events in the downtown area. The City of Leeds had the forethought to add proper lighting and electrical when building the new parking lot at the corner of Parkway Drive and 8th Street to be able to use the parking lot for a dual purpose. The parking lot serves to provide parking during the day for those who are working or shopping downtown; then, during the evenings and weekends, the parking lot may be used for outdoor community events such as movie nights, outdoor concerts and more. The first outdoor movie night was scheduled back in October in conjunction with Leeds Downtown Trick or Treat. but the equipment did not arrive in time so the event was cancelled. The City of Leeds, Leeds Redevelopment Authority and Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce are excited to bring outdoor movies and other events downtown in continued efforts to bring people to the downtown district for recreation, shopping, dining and building community among its residents.
Mark your calendars for July 1 and August 5 for the next two downtown movie nights scheduled. Food trucks will be available beginning around 6:00 p.m. The movie will begin at dusk which should be around 8:00 p.m. or so.
Food Truck Monday is another popular weekly downtown event that is in full swing. A different food truck is scheduled each Monday on the corner of Parkway Drive and 9th Street. Cousins Lobster Main is scheduled for Monday, June 13 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
In addition to these efforts to schedule events downtown, the Chamber and the City invites you to experience all that Leeds, Alabama has to offer. From our beautiful historic downtown with its quaint shops and eateries to exit 140 at I-20 for the Outlet Shops of Grand River, The Backyard Leeds, Bass Pro Shop and Buc-ee’s to exit 144 with additional shopping and dining opportunities, there’s plenty to do and see in Leeds.
If you have a favorite movie or food truck that you would like to recommend for upcoming movie nights, please communicate that information to the Chamber by calling (205) 965-9392. To stay up to date with what’s happening and upcoming events, please visit www.EveryoneLeeds.com and www.LeedsAreaChamber.com.
