By Scott Mims

The threat of inclement weather kept crowds at bay for the first week of Thorsby’s Movies in the Park last Friday. This weekend, the weather continues to be a concern with the otherwise well-attended event.

“People really turn out for this,” said Lt. Phillip Porter of the Thorsby Fire Department.

Last year, crowds of up to 350 people filled Richard Wood Park to watch family-friendly movies on an outdoor screen. This year, approximately 150 people attended the first showing.

Porter said the movies are geared toward a broader audience this year. Tonight’s showing will be “The Blind Side,” and next week will be “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” followed by “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” on June 18 and finally “Planet 51” on June 25.

The event begins at 6 p.m. each Friday, and each movie begins at 8 p.m.

“We want to make it a very family oriented type event,” Porter said.

Movies in the Park has been expanded to include an adopt-a-thon by the Chilton County Humane Society and a booth where people can sign up to have free smoke detectors installed in their home.

Humane society Director Joe Murphy said one animal was adopted last week, which made the effort worthwhile for him. Murphy also gives talks about responsible pet ownership.

“It’s a nice little close-knit community event,” Murphy said. “I just enjoy being a part of it. If the weather would just clear up, I think a lot more people would attend.”

Nearly 20 people have signed up for the free smoke detectors, which are available to all Chilton County residents through a state grant. Members of the Thorsby Fire Department are required to install the detectors.

Those interested may call 646-3725 or e-mail a request to thorsbyfire@centurytel.net.

“We really want to stress that anybody who needs one to call us and sign up,” Porter said.