Solon eyes movies in the park

Nestled in the village of Solon Springs, Lucius Woods Park caught Angela Botner's eye. She knew it was the perfect spot to show movies.

Free family fun is a passion for Botner, who moved to Solon Springs in 2012.

"I was founding event vendor and manager for Duluth movies in the park for the first three years," 2005-2007, she said.

When she brought the idea up to members of the Solon Springs Family Fun Days Committee, which she co-chairs, Botner got positive feedback.

"I had been thinking that for 10 years, that Lucius Woods would be a perfect place for movies in the park," said Chuck Shingledecker, and he's heard the same from other people.

"We thought it would be a great idea to have, but we never knew how to do it," he said.

In November, Botner launched a crowd-funding campaign on YouCaring.com to turn that vision into a reality. The committee is seeking $3,500 for a projector, screen and popcorn machines.

"I'm trying to get by with the minimum necessary because it's the first year," Botner said, including a 20-foot stretch screen on scaffolding instead of an inflatable screen like Duluth has.

The group would sell popcorn to pay for licensing fees to show the movies; volunteers would run them.

The Family Fun Days committee aims to bring everybody together in the community, Shingledecker said, and show them they don't have to trek to Superior or Duluth for fun.

"Let's make things happen," he said.

Botner received approval last month from the Douglas County Forestry Department to host six Friday night movies at the park. They are tentatively scheduled for July 21 through Aug. 25, with an additional July date to be announced.

The village board of supervisors is set to discuss the movies in the park initiative at tonight's 7 p.m. meeting at the Solon Springs Community Center.

"I'm so excited!," said Kathy Burger, village clerk. "It is such a pretty park and it isn't used on Friday nights."

The venue is already there, she said, and it should be used.

But funding needs to be buttoned up soon to make sure the group can get the equipment in time to use it this summer. And volunteers are needed to make it a success.

"Many hands make light work," Shingledecker said.

Currently, donors have contributed $750 of the needed $3,500. There are different sponsorship levels available, as well as an opportunity for business sponsors to show ads prior to the movies. A $150 donation, for example, will earn a business or individual a slide on the preview roll for the whole season. A $1,000 donation earns the donor a 30-second commercial slot for the season. They must provide their own commercial.

Shingledecker said every donation counts, no matter how small.

"Just donate what you can," he said.

To donate, visit www.youcaring.com/solon-springs-family-fun-day-632877 . Those uncomfortable donating online can contact Botner at 218-591-8792, put a check into the Solon Springs Family Fun Days account at the National Bank of Commerce in Solon Springs or mail a check to 10750 S. Rocky Hill Road, Solon Springs, WI, 54873.

Band-Aid

Botner kicked off a second YouCaring campaign last week, this one to replace marching band percussion equipment at Solon Springs School. The current equipment is 40 to 70 years old, far beyond its 10-year lifespan.

At bare minimum, the band is seeking $4,500 worth of equipment ranging from a $705 marching quad drums with carrier to snare drum sticks, which cost about $8 per pair. Their full "dream come true" list totals $9,588.

As of Monday, $350 had been donated.

In April, voters overwhelmingly approved a $500,000 recurring referendum to cover operational costs in the Solon Springs school district. With funding so short, Botner said, there is no way to get equipment unless the community steps up. So she opened the need up to the public.

"I think social media can be used for very great things," she said.

The Solon Springs PTA will match the first $2,500 donated to the band instrument replacement campaign.

A donkey basketball game is slated for 7 p.m. Jan. 26 to raise money for band instruments, as well.

For more information or to donate, visit www.youcaring.com/solonspringsschool-735062 .