Thorsby’s lucky to have its weekly “Movies in the Park” event. I’m biased, of course, because I’m an overzealous movie lover. My parents raised me to appreciate every aspect of film imaginable.

Throughout my few years, memorization has served me well in the realm of cinema, whether I recall which director helmed the classics or which titles won every Oscar since 1928. The wonder of the medium hits me on a gut and emotional level in a way I pray never leaves my ongoing experience.

As a child, movies dominated my summer. I’d mix it up and play outside with the best of them, but on Friday or Saturday afternoon, I’d be in that cool theater watching “Jurassic Park” for the fifth time.

A favorite staple of my childhood was going to my local theater that would show children’s movies for free in the mornings. Hundreds of kids would congregate to catch an old Disney movie or recently released family film on the big screen, and it was perfect. I had no other preference.

I’m pleased to know Thorsby shares those feelings and lets children enjoy those Hollywood offerings outside in the hot but fresh summer air.

It’s been a few months since I first watched the brilliant animated comedy “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” so I was a mite bit jealous to hear the folks in Thorsby enjoyed that instant classic in the park just a few weeks ago.

There’s nothing simpler than slapping yourself down in front of a big screen and sitting still for two hours. These days, it’s rare for much to be good anyway. As I get older, I’ve grown much more cynical and selective in what I pay to see. When your nearby movie theater charges $7 for a matinee ticket, you have to be.

But I’d jump at any chance to watch a good movie for free in the soothing setting of a park, surrounded by my fellow community members who know what it means to appreciate the best season to watch movies.

Do not let this tradition escape.