Cooperstown KOA to stage
outdoor summer movie series

By GREG KLEIN • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

Cooperstown KOA Journey will host a summer movie series beginning Saturday, June 12.

The campground, which is about 20 miles north of Cooperstown, just outside of Otsego County in the town of Warren, Herkimer County, and about a mile from the Route 20 and 80 crossing, will provide socially distanced spaces for families to enjoy outdoor movies during the late spring and summer.

There are six movies in the series, and they will be shown every other Saturday through August. All movies will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The series was programmed by 2014 Cooperstown Central School graduate Joey Katz, who lives in Buffalo, but is the assistant programmer for Cooperstown’s Glimmerglass Film Days and the Boston Jewish Film organization.

Katz said he missed the film-going experience and wanted to find something where coronavirus protocols could be followed. When he found Cooperstown KOA owners Kaaren and Kate were interested in summer events, he said he felt he had to find a way to make the series work.

“Initially, the idea for the series was to provide outdoor and safe entertainment during the peak of COVID,” Katz said. “Now, this is something that the folks at KOA and I will continue to do every camping season going forward.

“As I mentioned, Kaaren and Kate have been super supportive and positive about this whole endeavor,” he continued. “It’s affordable for attendees, family-focused and camping guests get to enjoy it too, so a win for everyone. They have space on the grounds that allows them to do many different kinds of events in a safe, socially distant setting.”

The movies will cost $5 per family group and be free to campers.

Katz said he focused on movie classics that entire families will be able to enjoy, starting with the 1985 film, “The Goonies,” about a group of kids who find a treasure map that leads them into an adventure.

The other films in the series are: “The Never-Ending Story,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Stand by Me” and “Iron Giant,” which Katz said is one his favorites. “E.T.” was originally scheduled, but had to be replaced by “The Never-Ending Story” at the last minute.

Although pandemic restrictions are loosening, Katz said the outdoor movies offer a communal space that is still safe.

“I can tell you personally, the idea of going back to a theatre is still kind of anxiety-inducing even though I’m vaccinated, so we wanted to create a stress-free environment and film series that everyone can enjoy,” he said.

There will be food trucks on location and Katz said he is working with local vendors to offer a variety of foods.

The movies are open to locals, tourists and campers. “This program was put together for the Cooperstown community but beyond there too, i.e. Richfield Springs and the surrounding areas,” Katz said.

Moviegoers are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs.

Go to www.koa.com/campgrounds/cooperstown for more information.