Going to the movies has always been a thing to do on Friday nights, and that&8217;s no different in Helena, other than you can catch a film for free.

As a community service project each summer, the Helena Business and Professional Association sponsors Movies in the Park every Friday at 8 p.m.

More than 200 moviegoers come out to see family-friendly movies such as &8220;Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factor&8221; and &8220;The Muppet Movie.&8221;

&8220;The kids love it. They have something to do,&8221; said Cheryl Harper, of Helena and mother of eight. &8220;Plus, I know they aren&8217;t going to be exposed to bad language or other things.&8221;

Harper is a regular, bringing her family to four movies this year. However, even newcomers say the program is fun and a good way to meet people.

&8220;We wanted to get out a little more and try to meet members of the community,&8221; said Suzanne Muir, who is among a group starting a new Wesleyan church in Helena.

&8220;My girls seem to like it,&8221; said Michael Johnson, teacher at Oak Mountain High School. &8220;It also gives a nice sense of community.&8221;

Families start showing up with lawn chairs and blankets an hour or so before the movie begins.

&8220;Everybody likes to come early,&8221; said Lora Popwell, co-sponsor of Movies in the Park and owner of Bead Biz. &8220;We have several games, and the kids like to play on the playground.&8221;

The program is now in its third year, and business owners say their sponsorship is paying dividends.

&8220;It puts my face back to the customers. They see that I&8217;m active in the community,&8221; said Popwell. &8220;It keeps me in contact with my customers.&8221;

The movies are shown at Helena Old Towne Amphitheater at 8 p.m. each Friday through Aug. 11. No outside food is allowed because profits from concessions go to pay for the movies. Any extra money at the end of the season is used for park improvements.

Upcoming movies include &8220;All Dogs Go to Heaven&8221; on July 14, &8220;Casper&8221; on July 21, &8220;Dreamer&8221; on July 28, &8220;Madagascar&8221; on Aug. 4 and &8220;Hoodwinked&8221; on Aug. 11