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What began with a borrowed popcorn machine and fewer than 100 people has grown into one of Lewiston’s largest free summer traditions
Ten summers ago, Summer Fun & Films began with a simple idea: bring families together for a free outdoor movie and create an opportunity for neighbors to connect.
Today, that simple idea has grown into one of Lewiston’s largest free family traditions.
Summer Fun & Films is celebrating its 10th season in 2026, marking a decade of free movies, family entertainment, community partnerships and thousands of memories created for children and families throughout Lewiston.
Since launching in June 2016, Summer Fun & Films has scheduled 51 community events, with only one canceled because of rain. What began with fewer than 100 people at Marcotte Park has grown into five large community events each summer, with recent seasons welcoming approximately 6,000 people annually.
But founder and organizer Joseph Philippon says the program has never really been about movies.
“The movie is what gets everyone to the same place, but the community is what makes these nights special. For 10 years, people, businesses, schools, nonprofits and volunteers have chosen to invest in one another and create something for our kids that they can look forward to every summer.”
From a Pickup Truck to a Community Tradition
The first Summer Fun & Films event in 2016 was a modest operation.
Equipment was transported in a pickup truck. Tables, chairs and a generator were brought to the park, and a popcorn machine was borrowed from the Androscoggin Bank Colisée.
The inspiration came from an outdoor movie experience Philippon had witnessed where children were handed free popcorn. He was struck by how something so simple could create a positive interaction and bring people together.
That idea became the foundation for Summer Fun & Films: create welcoming spaces where families can have fun together regardless of their financial circumstances.
Over the next decade, the program steadily grew.
Today, Summer Fun & Films events feature inflatable attractions, DJs, performers, face painting, bubbles, animals, community organizations, food, giveaways and other activities before each movie. What was once a simple outdoor movie has evolved into what some families have described as a “Disney-like” experience in their own community.
And the events remain free.
“There are children in our community who may not get to visit a theme park or take a family vacation,” Philippon said. “But for one night, we can give them something that feels really special. Every child deserves those moments.”
Built by the Community
Summer Fun & Films has always relied on partnerships.
Lewiston Public Schools has become a major partner in the program, helping connect students and families with the events while creating opportunities for school staff and community organizations to remain connected with children throughout the summer.
Local nonprofits and service providers also participate, giving families an opportunity to connect with educational, recreational, health and social-service resources in an informal and welcoming environment.
Businesses, sponsors, volunteers, artists, entertainers and community organizations have contributed funding, equipment, food, staffing and countless hours of work over the past decade.
Partners and supporters over the years have included Lewiston Public Schools, the Lewiston Education Association, Walmart, Androscoggin Bank, Central Maine Federal Credit Union, Healthy Androscoggin, the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Lewiston-Auburn, John F. Murphy Homes, Valley Beverage, Community Credit Union, Bates College, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and dozens of volunteers and community partners.
The program is fiscally sponsored by the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
“I’ve never looked at this as my program,” Philippon said. “It’s a program built by the community, for the community. Every sponsor, volunteer, school employee, entertainer, nonprofit and family that shows up has helped build what Summer Fun & Films has become.”
More Than a Movie
As Summer Fun & Films enters its second decade, its purpose remains much the same as it was at that first event in 2016: create positive experiences, strengthen relationships and give families a place where everyone belongs.
For some families, Summer Fun & Films is one activity among many during the summer.
For others, it may be one of the few major family outings they are able to experience.
That is why keeping the program free has remained one of its defining commitments.
“Summer Fun & Films is proof that when a community genuinely chooses to invest in one another, something pretty magical can happen,” Philippon said. “Ten years later, I still believe something as simple as handing a child a bag of popcorn can be the beginning of a connection.”
10th Season Finale — August 19
Summer Fun & Films will conclude its 10th anniversary season on Wednesday, August 19, at Connors Elementary School in Lewiston with a special community celebration.
The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with the Lewiston Public Schools Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway and DJ entertainment.
Summer Fun & Films activities begin at 6 p.m., with free hot dogs, chips, popcorn, drinks and snacks along with family activities and entertainment.
The season’s final movie, “The Bad Guys 2,” begins at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Following the movie, Summer Fun & Films will cap its 10th season with a special Glow Party featuring Pallo Entertainment, giving families one final opportunity to celebrate together before the start of the school year.
Admission and activities are free and open to the community.
By the Numbers
– 10 seasons serving Lewiston families
– 51 community events scheduled since 2016
– Only one rain cancellation in 10 years
– Five free community events each summer
– Fewer than 100 attendees at the first event in 2016
– Approximately 1,200 attendees per event in recent seasons
– Approximately 6,000 visits each summer
– Thousands of children and families reached during the program’s first decade
