'Up' set for Cars Under the Stars Saturday

McCOOK, Neb. — The big screen at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds will be lit up again Saturday, Aug. 17 with the second showing at the Cars Under the Stars drive-in theater.

Pixar’s “Up” will be the featured film being hosted by the Youth Change Reaction. Gates will open at 8:30 p.m., and the movie will start at sundown, approximately 9 p.m.

There is no admittance fee, although free-will donations will be accepted. Plus, there will be a surprise gift for everyone in attendance. The audience is welcome to bring snacks and drinks in their vehicles.

Audio for the movie is provided through a radio signal on FM radio station 99.9, so audience members can listen in their vehicles. A Bluetooth speaker will not work unless it can pick up a radio signal. A speaker will be provided near the front of the parking area for those wishing to sit in lawn chairs in front of the movie screen.

McCook Community Foundation Fund’s youth group, Youth Change Reaction, started work on the outdoor theater in McCook in early 2022 and had its first showing on May 4, 2024, with a Star Wars-themed movie.

YCR comprises McCook High School students from each grade level who focus on youth-centered projects for their hometown. They wanted a big project that would benefit the community for years and created Cars Under the Stars with the help of the Red Willow County fair board.

For more information about Cars Under the Stars, including hosting a drive-in movie, visit the MCFF website, mccookfoundation.org. For dates available at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds and to reserve the theater equipment, contact Jiles Bowman at rwcfairmanager@gmail.com.