Summer movies set at Heritage

Gardnerville's "Movies in the Park," a free event that drew up to 500 people a night last year, is kicking off its second season with a showing of "Arthur and the Invisibles," an animated film about 10-year-old Arthur and his quest for the treasure that will save his grandmother's home from developers.

The fun starts at dusk for this event, the first of four special Friday evenings starting June 15 at Gardnerville's Heritage Park. There are a few wrinkles to work out, but pre-show activities throughout the season will include demonstrations by Northwest Martial Arts and the Douglas County Renaissance School of Fencing.

Blankets, sand chairs and mosquito repellent are recommended and patrons are invited to bring their own picnic or enjoy the refreshments and snacks available from vendors.

The second film is a Steven Spielberg swashbuckler, "Raiders of the Lost Ark," on July 20. Set in 1936, the film chronicles the adventures of archaeologist Indian Jones in his search for the covenant of the lost ark.

The adventures at Heritage Park will start with a special bull whip demonstration before the show.

A piano player will be performing before the showing of "Casablanca," a classic set in war-torn Europe just before the United States entered the conflict. The performance is set for Aug. 10.

The animated movie "Cars," which is slated for Sept. 7, is a Walt Disney Pixar film featuring hot-shot race car "Lightning McQueen."

Vendors are jumping into the act at Heritage Park this year, offering a wide variety of refreshments from local eateries, everything from Italian ices from Lee's Little Jimmy's Italian Ices to Shady Grove Coffee. Papa Murphys's Take N' Bake Pizza will be setting up a booth, as will Cold Stone Creamery and the Carson Valley Lions Club.

Borges Family Horse Rides will also be offering pony rides before the show.

A number of sponsors are supporting these events, including Colonial Bank, Sharkey's, Carson Valley Inn, Re/Max Realty Affiliates, Jack In The Box and James Seyfried, D.D.S.

Heritage Park is located at the entrance to Chichester Estates near Gilman Avenue in Gardnerville. For more information, contact the town at 782-7134 or visit their Web site, www.gardnerville-nv.gov.

-- Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.