When Louis Boyar, Mark Taper, and Ben Weingart invested in developing the city of Lakewood, they all looked at each other and, with a Nod, they said: “I hope they hold a really cool movie night in 70 years”. Fast forward 70 years and here we are!
This year is Lakewood's 70th Anniversary, so the city of Lakewood decided to host a movie night in Mayfair Park. “Almost pressed to do so by mysterious forces…” said Mayor Ariel Pe, probably… maybe.
It was close to Lakewood Self Storage, and there would be food trucks so I was in.
I didn't realize that the city of Lakewood was like your cool, chill friend. They said 6 pm but they really meant a chill 6:30 PM. That said, I guess everyone was running a little late because tents were still getting set up, and food wasn't cooked yet. At least the water people were set up and they just looked happy to be here. Everyone I saw seemed to be in good spirits. Honestly, I thought it was going to be one of those awkward parties where you and only a couple other dudes show up and the birthday kid starts crying because he invited the whole class.
Luckily, 6:30 pm came with everyone else that was in the know. And boy, that's a lot of people. I swear the poster said 6:30 pm but these guys showed up like they were all waiting in the parking lot and just all nodded in agreement to show up at the same time or something.
But while all the happy families were scoping out the best spots in the field, I did the only smart thing to do... And that was to get fresh fried chicken before it even had a chance to settle. I don't know if it's like this at all fried chicken food trucks, but nothing is better than fried chicken fresh out of the fryer. They even warned me: "Careful there, it's still hot. Like too hot. Don't blame us for anything". But I tell you now, this is how I shall always have my fried chicken, just cool enough that I can physically stand it.
I'm sorry, Burger Boy Gonzalez, maybe next time.
There were 8 different Campground games they had set up for the kids to not get bored waiting. I think sun-down is 7:30 pm. They did kind of have all the cool games:
Giant wood Jenga: it's like normal Jenga but if you fail you could end up buried in wooden blocks. Putt-putt, and 2 different kinds of beanbag games.
The other kid section was way cooler. They had table bowling, which the ancient Greeks once called "Ping-Pong". A weird "The Price is Wrong" gameshow thing where you win a single jolly rancher.
The Star of the show though. Giant Connect 4! Man. where was all this cool stuff when I was a kid? I guess I'll go back to my Lawn Darts.
This family even has a Couch!?!?!? I didn't even know they had those.
Really got to thank the friendly folk from the City of Lakewood for getting this all together. I asked them about how they knew it'd be a great turn out and they answered me honestly: "Really, we didn't even know if people were going to show up. We kind of started worrying this was a bust. But we took that leap of faith and they came. I'm just glad”.
There was even kettle corn here! It's like every time you guys send me somewhere, they know where I'm going to be and have it ready for me. I'm trying to kick the Kettle Corn habit, It's wreaking havoc on my marriage! Well, it tasted really good so I'm back on the wagon now. Thanks Management.
Even Woody the Tree was there (Name Trademarked). Woody is Lakewood's City mascot he's been around since Lakewood's 65th Anniversary and Volunteer Day... But no one's ever seen the man behind the oaken mask. He never makes a sound. We don't even know where he comes from. He just shows up. He doesn't eat... or rest... some wonder if there's even anyone in the costume at all..
Hey, look at that. We even got Costumed Doc and Marty. I can always appreciate fan costumes. who are clearly human. I chatted with them for a while and it turns out they just really loved the Back to the Future movie franchise. They didn't even make the costumes for this event. That's just something they have on hand for other costumed situations. Talk about awesome.
Finally, the sun is setting (barely).
When it hit 7 pm, they started some crowd work. They thanked us all for being there. Thanked the city for the allotted space and time. It really was a cool time and the effort shows.
They talked about the beginning of the city of Lakewood. Apparently, we used to be called the Prairie. It was 20 Square miles of small lakes and Oak Tree. It then got turned into a sugar beet field. Finally, 3 investors got together and modeled it to be a community with all the trimmings. They showed some clips on our history and it really showed how we came a long way to where we are now.
Remember when I said "Maybe next time"... I lied! I like this world we live in that I can walk around like a madman, just shouting these 4 words: "Burger! Cheese! Fries! Dr.Pepper!". And someone, most likely the police, will guide me to where I need to go.
Gonzalez Burgers has such a simple menu with all the extras in clear view. It was the perfect quick burger that tasted like they made it in a fancy restaurant. It was the perfect meal to end my over-indulgent day. I'll be feeling guilty for the rest of the weekend.
Even though I've been in Lakewood for some time, it's pretty awesome that the city does this kind of stuff. It makes me want to get involved more with the community. Maybe do a little more cleanup. So, get your stuff off your porch. Get it into our Storage. Beautify your Neighborhood and come to the next movie night. I'm sure you and your family will have a great time.
With all said and done it's time for me now to enjoy the movie with food and drink in hand. I'd love to talk more about it, but I don't think anyone likes spoilers. Have a good night and no talking during the film.
70th Anniversary Family Movie Night
Mayfair Park, 5720 Clark Ave. Lakewood, CA 90712
April 20, 2024 from 6 to 10 PM
