— Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Anne Blankenship Availa Blank Plaza will be the venue for a series of outdoor movies in Webster City. The first will be shown Fridat, July 17 at dusk. The city of Webster City will set up its outdoor screen and projector to show “Grease.” The movies will continue each Friday through Labor Day, according to organizers.

Area residents who have been longing to watch a good movie on the big screen won’t have long to wait but it might be at a slightly different venue than one might expect.

Friday, July 17 and for eight weeks following, the City of Webster City will screen movies at the Availa Park Plaza. The first week, “Grease” will be shown, according to organizers.

The movie is scheduled to begin at dusk. Those attending are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on while watching the film. Social distancing will be encouraged. In fact, a portion of Des Moines Street will be closed during the event to allow for more seating.

Sponsors of the movie include Abens Realty, KHI Financial Solutions, Dawson and Associates, Good Life RV, P & P Electric, Ameriprise, First State Bank/Town & Country Insurance and Black Hills Energy.

And what’s a movie without popcorn? The HERO Board has announced that the Webster Theater will be open to sell popcorn and pop. The restrooms at the movie theater will also be open during the movie screening.

“We think this will be a perfect opportunity for those looking something to do,” said Kay Ross of HERO. “It’s a family-oriented activity and they can easily social distance. People can set up chairs on the sidewalk and in the street or sit on blankets on the grassy area.”

She added that there will be hand sanitizing stations set up in the area and masks can be worn if people wish to wear them.

“We think this is a great opportunity for families to do something together – something fun when there just doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of fun going on these days.”