A night out at the movies — on the lake 

More than 300 residents, from toddlers to mature adults, gathered up their lawn chairs, blankets, pillows and picnic dinners to watch a free showing of the 1961 film "Misty of Chincoteague" on Lake Kittamaqundi one recent evening.

The film was part of Columbia Association's Lakefront Summer Festival, which offers free entertainment on the lake every evening, all summer long, including concerts, dance lessons and family movies.

Jerry Krasnick, of Town Center, brought his wife, three children and father to see the film. The family laid out quilts and pillows on the lawn.

"We have them all on our family calendar," Krasnick said. "It's great to be around neighbors, friends, community members. [These events are] one of the reasons we live in Columbia.'

Maria Lopez-Pena, Carmen Heil and Ruth White are friends in their 70s, and they enjoy the family movies even when their grandchildren don't tag along, they said.

'It's a pleasant way to spend an evening,' White said.

Regina Barkdull, of Catonsville, meets up with five families at the lake every Monday for the films. She heard about them from a friend who lives in Columbia.

Del. Liz Bobo (District 12B) brings her children and grandchildren to the lakefront entertainment a couple of times a week.

"We often talk about what Jim Rouse [Columbia's founder] wanted, and I would venture to guess that this is what it would be," she said.

The schedule for the remaining films is below. Movies begin at 8:30 p.m. and are sponsored by CA with a generous grant from the Columbia Film Society. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages are permitted. Parking and admission are free. In case of inclement weather, call 410-715-3154. The schedule is subject to change without notice.

• Friday, Aug. 1: "Hairspray" (2007)
  
• Monday, Aug. 4: "The Witches"
  
• Friday, Aug. 8: "Stardust"
  
• Monday, Aug. 11: "The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep"
  
• Friday, Aug. 15: "Transformers"
  
• Monday, Aug. 18: "Charlotte's Web"
  
• Friday, Aug. 22: "National Treasure: Book of Secrets"
  
• Friday, Aug. 29: "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl"
  
• Saturday, Aug. 30: "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"
  
• Sunday, Aug. 31: "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"
  
• Friday, Sept. 5: "Enchanted"
  
• Saturday, Sept. 6: "Ratatouille"
  
• Friday, Sept. 12: "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
  
• Saturday, Sept. 13: "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
  
• Friday, Sept. 19: "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
  
• Saturday, Sept. 20: "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'
  

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