The Pavilion to host 'Food Truck Fridays and Movies on the Lawn'

MARION - With many venues closed or operating at limited capacity due to social distancing measures, finding something to do is not an easy task in southern Illinois.

For those looking for a safe, family-friendly entertainment opportunity, The Pavilion in Marion will be hosting a series of "Food Truck Fridays and Movies on the Lawn" beginning on Aug. 21.

"We're partnering with the Marion Cultural and Civic Center," said Pavilion director Jared Garrison.

Garrison said he came up with the idea after realizing there was basically nothing to do, especially after 8 p.m. He put in a call to MCCC director Josh Benson who immediately got on board with the idea.

The events will begin at 11 a.m. with a variety of food trucks set up.

"We are accepting applications now," said Garrison. Adding that the food truck vendors he's spoken with are "very excited."

Entertainment will be provided during the lunch period from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and again for dinner. The movies are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

Garrison said guests should bring blankets and chairs for the movie. The screen will be set up on the side of the building.

"People will not be able to sit in cars for the movie," he said. "They won't be able to see the screen."

Several popular movies are scheduled, with "The Secret Life of Pets 2" on Aug. 21 to kick off the series.

On Aug. 28, the featured film is "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," a personal favorite of Garrison's. "I think every American should be required to watch that movie," he said.

"Frozen II" will be shown on Sept. 11, followed by "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" on Sept. 18, and "Coco" on Sept. 25.

The series will wind up on Oct. 9 with "Hocus Pocus."

Rain dates will be announced later. Social distancing is required and masks are requested.

There is no admission charge as several Marion businesses have stepped up to sponsor the event. Those include Fowler Heating & Cooling, Heartland Regional Medical Center, Farmers State Bank, Larry's House of Cakes, and Jackson & Gray Insurance.

HRMC will provide masks to the first 500 through the gate.

Garrison is confident that guests will have a wide variety of food truck choices available for food purchases. Vendor applications are available at The Pavilion and on its Facebook page, or by calling (618) 993-2657.