Walnut’s first-ever Movie Night on Main filled downtown with families, lawn chairs and popcorn Saturday evening, and town leaders say they are already looking forward to doing it again. The Town of Walnut shared 51 photos from the Sept. 26 event on its official Facebook page, calling the night an “absolute blast” and thanking residents for the strong turnout.
The free community evening featured a showing of Toy Story 5 right on Main Street, along with food, activities for children and costumed characters from the movie.
What Happened at Walnut Movie Night on Main
In the days before the event, the town urged residents to bring their own chairs and blankets so they could settle in on the street and get comfortable for the movie. Organizers also said the weather forecast looked good for Saturday, and it held up.
As the crowd gathered Saturday, the town posted that the popcorn was popping and hot dogs were ready. It invited people to come down, grab a bite, find a spot and have some fun. Posts shared that evening said the movie started at 7:15 p.m.
Photos from the town’s album show several things going on before the film started:
A Chalk Art Station set up in the middle of Main Street, where children decorated small pumpkins
Volunteers dressed as Toy Story favorites, including Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie, posing for photos with kids
Food and treat tables along the downtown storefronts
Families spread out along the street with chairs and blankets
Town Thanks Residents, Hints at More
In its follow-up post, the town said it was “so much fun seeing everyone come together” and make memories on Main Street. It thanked everyone who came out and helped make the night a success, adding that it “can’t wait to do it again.”
The town has not yet announced a date for a second movie night. At least one resident has already asked in the comments whether another one is planned. Residents who want updates can follow the Town of Walnut’s Facebook page or call Walnut Town Hall at (662) 223-4405.
A Busy Weekend for Walnut
The movie night capped a big Saturday for the north Tippah County town. Earlier that day, the Walnut volleyball team won the Tippah County Volleyball Tournament at Pine Grove for the second straight year.
Downtown movie nights have been catching on across Tippah County. In Ripley, Ripley Main Street has hosted movie nights at The Cut-Off. Walnut’s version brought the same idea to its own Main Street, and judging by the photos, the town’s first try was a hit with families.
Walnut, which calls itself “Mississippi’s healthiest hometown,” sits in northern Tippah County near the Tennessee line, just south of Middleton, Tenn.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
