Summer in Staunton ... movies in the park

Staunton, Virginia, is blessed to have Gypsy Hill Park which could arguably be called the heart of the city. Baseball fields, duck pond, tennis courts, playgrounds, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters and tables throughout, golf course, and the Gazebo where concerts are held during the summer make up this vibrant area.

Summer is especially busy at Gypsy Hill. One attraction enjoyed by young and old alike is the Friday night "Movies in the Park."

Last night we all headed to the park to stake out our spot for the movie that would begin at dusk. The showing was Disney's "Ratatouille," the animated movie about the French rat that lives in the sewers of Paris only to discover he does not like the garbage his fellow rats eat ... he has a palate that can discern flavors and -- voila! -- he realizes he loves to cook.

As we set up our chairs and spread out the blanket, I scanned the sizeable crowd. There were families everywhere and lots of children ... a number of young couples were sitting on blankets quietly talking as they waited for the movie to begin ... some folks had brought dogs on leashes. The concession stand was set up with Papa John's pizza, popcorn, and soft drinks.

On a beautiful evening that saw temps in the 70s, under the trees of Gypsy Hill Park, we relaxed and watched the movie on a large sceen on the front of the Gazebo.

Cars passed in the park ... the trolley continued its scheduled runs ... headlights reflected off the duck pond behind the Gazebo ... joggers and walkers continued their trek around the two-mile circular drive.

It was a summer night in Small Town USA ... and I was loving it.