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We now have a date set for the return of Stars Under the Stars this summer. The Downtown Film Series will roll out the 26th season of the event, beginning June 14 in Farmville. 

Created in 1997 as a Leadership Farmville project, Stars Under the Stars has brought more than 75 movies to the grassy outdoor venue at Crute Stage. Movies have been featured from all classic film eras and genres, including everything from High Noon to Mary Poppins. 

This year’s season will open on June 14 with the G-rated Disney/Pixar movie Toy Story. Also, there will be a couple surprises on hand, as Woody from Toy Story will make an appearance on site and the Heart of Virginia Community Band will perform a number of cinema-inspired songs. Both Woody’s visit and the musical performance will start at 7:30 p.m. and conclude before the pre-show announcements at 8:15 p.m. 

Trivia and prize drawings will be part of the pre-show activities, with the movie itself beginning at dusk. 

Parking is available on Main Street and in the municipal parking lot behind the courthouse. This is a free event, with popcorn, candy, and drinks available for purchase. Now organizers do have one rule, as they ask residents to leave pets at home. This is a “no pets” event, especially due to the loud noises. In the event of rain, the film will be shown the following evening (Saturday) at dusk. Residents are invited to bring blankets and bag chairs. 

A number of groups helped put this together, with support coming from the Central Virginia Regional Library, Putney Mechanical, Red Door 104 and community volunteers. Donations will also be provided by Lib’s Place and Pepsi.  

As for the rest of this season, Stars Under the Stars will feature Twister on July 12 and Dreamgirls on Aug. 9. All movies begin at the same time.