With popcorn in hand and kids sprawled across blankets under the stars, hundreds of Louisa County families recently came together at the historic Goochland Drive-In Theater for one of Louisa County Public Schools’ (LCPS) most anticipated annual traditions: Family Movie Night.

Held this year on the two spring evenings of March 24 and March 25, the event once again transformed the drive-in into a community classroom of sorts, where literature and family entertainment came together under the night sky.

Each year, LCPS rents out the entire theater for two consecutive nights, thanks to the cooperation of the theater’s owners, who continue to make the tradition possible. The featured film is tied directly to a reading initiative that begins at the start of each school year, when all four local elementary schools read the same book together. This year’s selection was the classic “Stuart Little,” which also served as the featured movie shown during the event.

Previous years have included titles such as “The Iron Giant” and “The Tale of Despereaux,” continuing a tradition that blends learning with community engagement.

“This is one of our favorite annual traditions, and we are so grateful to our friends at the Goochland Drive-In Theater,” LCPS Public Information Officer Andrew Woolfolk shared. “It’s got a little bit of everything: a cool venue, an educational aspect, and a whole lotta smiles!”

More than 500 families attended the twonight event this year. Upon arrival, each guest received a free $5 snack bar voucher before settling in for an evening shared with classmates, teachers and neighbors.

The event also brought together school staff beyond the classroom, with teachers, administrators and school resource officers joining families throughout the evening.

For many parents, the tradition has become more than a school activity — it is a moment of connection that spans generations.

Heather Owens, a 2006 graduate of Louisa County High School, attended Family Movie Night with her 6-year-old daughter Kennedy, a student at Jouett Elementary School.

“This was such a special night for our family and turned into such a fun and memorable experience for all of us,” Owens stated with a smile. “Getting to enjoy a relaxed evening with our kids and multiple other friends and family, while also reconnecting with our superintendent — who was actually my teacher over 20 years ago — made it even more meaningful. Moments like these are what truly make our school community feel like family.”

Alongside her daughters, 06’ LCHS graduate Heather Owens reconnects with Superintendent Doug Straley, who was also her former teacher over 20 years ago.

PHOTO BY ANDREW WOOLFOLK