NORWICH–Families from in and around greater Norwich are invited to enjoy this week's installment of “Movies Under the Stars,” a free open-to-all outdoor movie experience made possible through a collaborative of local educational, arts and a host of downtown Norwich merchants.

The Wednesday evening viewings featuring popular family classic films will be shown in either East Park or the Guernsey Memorial Park Amphitheater located behind Guernsey Memorial Library. Event organizers have scheduled the weekly movies throughout the months of July and August beginning at dusk.

“Working in collaboration with the Norwich Merchants Association and Guernsey Library, we were able to organize a generous calendar of community friendly family-oriented entertainment at no cost to to the public,” said Diane Batson-Smith, Executive Director of the Chenango Arts Council. “While our primary objective at the Arts Council is to provide cultural, arts and education opportunities to a largely rural audience, we also strive to build community strength through offering affordable and often times free programming to the community.

Batson-Smith indicated that Movies under the Stars free movies are the parks is just one of the many activities that locals can enjoy throughout the summer in greater Norwich, and that the cooperation of area organizations.

“The Norwich community has a lot to be thankful for,” said Batson-Smith. You would be hard pressed to find the caliber of entertainment and cultural programming that Norwich offers to its residents in any other small town of less than 10,000.”

Tonight's free Movie under the Stars will feature the Steven Spielberg classic E.T. The Extra Terrestrial.

Those planning on attending are encouraged to bring their favorite lawn chairs and blankets and bug spray of choice to the Guernsey Library Park just before dusk to find a perfect spot to watch.

Movies Under the Stars is brought to you courtesy of City of Norwich B.I.D., Norwich Merchants Association, Guernsey Memorial Library, The Chenango Arts Council and Colonia Theatre.

Upcoming Free Movies Under the Stars:

• July 20-East Park: Home

• July 27-Guernsey Park: Alice in Wonderland

• Aug. 3-Guernsey Park: Aladdin

• Aug. 10-East Park: Night at he Museum

• Aug. 17-Guernsey Park: Hotel Transylvania

• Aug. 24-East Park: Kung Fu Panda 3

• Aug 31-Guernsey Park: Finding Nemo