Meadow Grove, Nebraska: The Birthplace of Free Outdoor Movies

Meadow Grove, Nebraska (population ~330) hosted a free outdoor movie night on August 15, 2008, organized by the Meadow Grove Community Club. About 60 people gathered on Main Street to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks on a 10-foot inflatable screen. The event was funded partly by community donations; the projector and equipment were borrowed from Norfolk Public Schools. The movie was delayed when the extension cord ran short, but a neighbor produced one and the show went on. Candy and popcorn were provided by the Lions Club.

Meadow Grove had seen hard times -- a tornado three years earlier had wiped out many businesses, including both grocery stores. Events like this one were part of an effort to keep community life going. “It means so much to these rural communities to do something together,” said one organizer.