Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and spend an evening in Downtown Farmville under the stars for the Downtown Film Series.

This is the 19th season of Stars Under the Stars, which will kick off on Friday with Judy Garland in the romantic musical comedy “Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944, Not Rated).

“Meet Me in St. Louis” is the Oscar-winning adaptation based on the 1942 Sally Benson novel of the same name. Garland plays Esther Smith, one of four daughters living in St. Louis in 1903 during the build-up to the upcoming World’s Fair.

Esther falls for John Truett, but the boy next door seemingly never notices her. All of the trials and tribulations of a budding romance soon ensue, and just as it seems the stars are lining up for the young lovers, Esther’s father announces he is being relocated and that the family will move to New York. Esther’s relationship with John hangs in the balance, as does the chance to experience the extravagant World’s Fair.

In addition to a number of songs from around the time of the actual St. Louis World’s Fair, both “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and the catchy “Trolley Song” both made their debut in this production.

And as can be expected from Garland, her rich vocal talent is on full display and sure to amaze.

The presentation will begin at dusk at Crute Stage, located on the corner of Main and Fourth Streets in downtown Farmville.

Arrive early for pre-show trivia and drawings. Parking is available on Main Street and in the municipal parking lot behind the court house.

Admission is free, and popcorn, candy and drinks will be available for purchase. Please note there is a “no pets” policy. In the event of rain, the film will be shown the following evening at dusk.

The season’s remaining films are “Shane” (July 8) and “The Karate Kid” (Aug. 12).

Thanks go out to the sponsors for this year’s film series: Central Virginia Regional Library, Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Kerby Moore, Real Living Cornerstone: Navona Hart, Red Door 104 and the Virginia Credit Union. Donations provided by Lib’s Place and Pepsi. Special thanks to The Farmville Herald and the Town of Farmville.

For more information on the series, visit www.facebook.com/starsunderthestars.