Catch a Movie with the Family Tonight

Tonight means more to Chelmsfordians than the mark of the end of summer; it is the official date of the Chelmsford Police Athletic League’s (CPAL) annual outdoor movie night. 

The town tradition, started in 2006 by Officer Jennifer Bellissimo and other members of the , had been rescheduled to tonight due to weather. The film, Madagascar II: Escape to Africa, will still be shown at fields at 7:30 p.m.

Bellissimo said that she, along with Lt. John Roark and Sgt. Jeffrey Bernier, considers the night a great way for the police department to give back to their community.

“We began it really just as a way to get the community together for a nice night out,” she said. “We handle everything for it because we just want people to have a good time.”

One thing Bellissimo personally handles is the movie choice.

“I usually pick the movie,” she said with a laugh. “We keep the choice family-friendly so all ages can enjoy it.”

Another perk of the movie night is the free food.

According to Bellissimo, the police department will be giving out popcorn, ice cream, refreshments, hot dogs and other snacks at the event. Glowsticks and tours of ambulance  and police cars are some of the other perks children can enjoy at the event.

“We pretty much spoil the children,” she said. “Plus, we give parents the chance to socialize and not stress about the kids."

Volunteers from the police department and other community offices help with the event by monitoring for safety, serving food and directing parking.

“I take a lot of pride in the event,” Bellissimo said. “It is a great way to build community spirit.”

The film starts around 7:30 p.m., but Bellissimo encourages families to arrive a little earlier.

“Most families come around 6:45 p.m. to set up blankets and chairs, grab some food and let the kids run around before it gets dark," she said. She also advises people to dress warmly, as weather changes in the evening.

Though the outdoor movie night has averaged around 300 people in past years, Bellissimo hopes to see even more this year.

“It’s just a completely free event. Stress-free, drama-free, and when the movie comes on, everything else just kind of goes away,” she said. “It’s really just a nice night out.”