There were a few hiccups, something typical with a first-time event, but organizers of Dent Elementary’s first Family Movie Night and Vendor Faire said it will definitely not be the last.

“It was a huge success,” said co-organizer Tracey Miller. “We estimate 500 to 700 people attended and a great time was had by all.”

Among the kinks that will need to be worked out for the next time, Miller said, were bringing in more food vendors for additional choices and assuring everything is ‘ready to go’ at curtain time.

“One of our food vendors canceled shortly before the event, taking us down to just two, so the food lines were extremely long,” said Miller. “This will be remedied for next time, as we will have twice as many food options. The newly purchased inflatable screen was incredible; however, we ran in to some issues with the sound, despite two ‘dry runs.’ This will also be addressed and resolved, before our next event.”

Positives seen from the Friday evening festivities were that the vendors were well received and made contact with new clientele. Denty, the Dent mascot, made a special appearance, much to the delight of the kids in attendance.

“We had six fifth grade students selling movie concessions on behalf of their class. They sold popcorn, soda, candy bars and water, all of which was donated by outside sources, and raised over $1000,” Miller said. “Paul’s Rustic Oven was a big hit, with all the pizza lovers, and we will definitely be inviting him back.”

The movie began at dusk, with families settling in on blankets and in lawn chairs to enjoy the show under the stars.

“Five-year-old Mason Silva told us at the end of the night ‘I watched this movie in the movie theater, but this was better!’,” noted Miller “This was an amazing community experience, and one that we will be doing again, and again. We’d like to thank everyone who came out and supported us.”