Movies on Market Square offers eclectic mix of flicks

Photo by Zade Rosenthal

Tony (Robert Downey Jr.) starts crafting his trademark suit in “Iron Man.”

Photo by Zade Rosenthal

Tony (Robert Downey Jr.) starts crafting his trademark suit in “Iron Man.”

The summer nights are getting shorter and the swampy heat is beginning to fade away as we begin the transition to fall. However, this change isn’t just about pumpkins, Oktoberfest and more comfortable weather, but a brand new lineup of the Knox County Public Library’s popular Movies on Market Square series.

This year the series begins Friday, Sept. 10, and will run until Oct. 15 in Market Square. The series features a more modern movie selection including popular titles like “Iron Man,” “Charlotte’s Web” and “The Spy Next Door.” In its seventh year, Movies on Market Square is hoping to make this one of its biggest years to date.

Mary Pom Claiborne, who began the Movies on Market Square series, said the event started as a way to showcase the library’s extensive film and music collection.

Some of the events taking place for this year’s series include a cupcake sale from Magpies on opening night, “Breast Cancer Awareness Night” featuring “Pretty in Pink” Oct. 1 and “Doggie Date Night” Sept. 24. While dogs are always welcome in Market Square any night of the week, during a special showing of “Cats and Dogs” folks are encouraged to bring their dog to the movie.

While some may be disappointed that the Disney movies offered in the initial “Pick the Flicks” vote did not show up in the lineup, Claiborne said they tried everything they could to include them. Due to Disney’s strict cap of 200 viewers in the audience, the library was unable assure that these films would not draw a larger crowd. However, the film’s lineup still features three kid-friendly movies with “Charlotte’s Web,” “Cats and Dogs” and “The Spy Next Door.”

Claiborne has some tips for those making the trek to Market Square. Remember to bring your lawn chair, and for those chilly nights, be sure to bring a jacket to stay warm, especially in the later part of the year. She also recommends getting out early to find a good seat or grab a bite to eat from any of the restaurants on Market Square. Additionally, coolers and snacks are always welcome if people just want to make a picnic out of the evening.

Claiborne says she’s most excited about Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest” in this year’s lineup. Anyone familiar with Hitchcock’s classic films like “Vertigo,” “Psycho” or “The Birds” will not want to miss this one on Oct. 15 to close out the season.

If you’re looking for a chance to check out some great free movies with a great crowd, this is the place to spend your Friday night.

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