Families looking for a more kid-oriented atmosphere will gather in City Hall on Friday to munch on pizza and popcorn, while watching a movie.

The Charleston Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the movie night, where the movie, “Gnomeo and Juliet” will be shown.

“Gnomeo and Juliet” is a family friendly version of the play “Romeo and Juliet,” by William Shakespeare.

Kimberly Wargo, the recreation supervisor for the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department, said the movie night is geared to get families together.

“I think it’s a great way for families to connect with one another and do something fun,” Wargo said.

Although chairs will be provided, Wargo said families are encouraged to bring blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and anything else to get comfy.

Wargo said the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department will also be offering other recent movies throughout the spring, including “Hop” and “Cars 2.”

“We try to watch more current family films that come out in the previous year,” Wargo said.

In order to ensure participation, Wargo said that anyone interested in attending the movie night should register for the event by noon on Friday.

Unfortunately, Wargo said the event does not usually get a big turnout, and therefore the movie nights are only about once every two months.

Brian Jones, the director of recreation for the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department said the family movie night can either be a hit or a miss when it comes to participation.

Jones said the majority of the people who attend the events are usually from the same families.

“We do get a lot of repeat customers,” Jones said.

Jones said in an effort to recruit new families, the department is utilizing social media.

Jones said the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department is now on Facebook and for the past three years, has offered online registration for events.

Jones said the department is also working on marketing through email and Jones said Wargo has begun sending newsletters home with the after school program participants, in an effort to bring in more people.

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or kjrichter@eiu.edu.