Movie at the MARC a Success!

A MARC-velous Night of Hocus Pocus Brings Fall Magic to Brunswick

By: Averill Erdody

The air was crisp, the gelato was sweet, and the spells were strong as over 800 community members gathered at The MARC on Friday, September 20, for a special fall presentation of Hocus Pocus. The event marked the first time Movies in the Park brought their big-screen experience to this location, transforming the soon-to-be developed recreation space into a lively outdoor theater filled with smiles, blankets, and plenty of Halloween spirit.

The evening kicked off at 6:30 p.m. with fall-themed activities for all ages. Families lined up for free face painting, kids tested their skills in relay races, and the open field buzzed with the sound of laughter and excited chatter. Guests enjoyed sweet treats from Gelato Fiasco, hot chocolate, and classic concession items courtesy of community partners, while the setting sun cast a perfect autumn glow over the event grounds.

By dusk, the crowd settled in for the main feature - Disney’s beloved Hocus Pocus - projected on the big screen against a clear September night. The audience laughed, gasped, and quoted favorite lines in unison as the Sanderson sisters worked their mischief.“It was the perfect way to welcome fall,” one attendee shared. “We come to Movies in the Park every summer, so it was awesome to get a bonus movie this year.”

Movies in the Park has been a longtime Brunswick summer tradition, drawing hundreds of residents to Nathaniel Davis Park every third Thursday for free outdoor films and family fun. This year, Brunswick Parks and Recreation, Community in the Parks, and the Brunswick Downtown Association teamed up to bring the magic to a new location - and a new season. Extending the series into fall proved a perfect complement to other community events, following a July social media poll where residents voted Hocus Pocus as their top pick for the special showing.

For many in attendance, the night also offered a chance to explore The MARC, a developing community recreation area located next to the Brunswick Recreation Center. The space currently features pickleball courts, a skatepark, a 0.5-mile walking loop, and a playground for ages 0 - 5, with even more amenities on the way. Its wide-open field proved to be the perfect stage for a night of fall fun.

As the credits rolled and families packed up their blankets, one thing was clear: Brunswick wasn’t ready to let go of outdoor movie nights just yet. If the success of Hocus Pocus at The MARC is any indication, this new fall edition of Movies in the Park may just become a tradition worth repeating.