Story By Donald Campbell

 With the Christmas season in full swing, Fort Payne Main Street is wrapping up this year’s movie series at the DeKalb Theater with a pair of iconic Christmas films. The movie festivities begin Friday night with a showing of the 2003 Will Ferrell film “Elf,” followed on Friday, December 19th with the 2004 animated movie “The Polar Express.”

According to Fort Payne Main Street Executive Director Connie Fuller, the film series began in May, with the organization trying to put on two movies for the public each month. She said the hope is that this can become a year-round series, offering up family friendly films and providing something everyone can enjoy.

“This series has been successful. We’ve heard a lot of good things from attendees,” Fuller said. “It’s really wonderful that we’ve been able to do this.”

As with the rest of the movies that have been shown throughout the year, there is no cost to attend either show this month. In addition, concessions will be available for purchase for $2 each. While admission is free, Fuller said they do take donations, while sponsors have helped cover the cost of the event. She added the mayor and city council have been extremely supportive of the program, while Main Street board members have worked hard at each show.

At Friday night’s screening of “Elf,” additional entertainment will come from the showing’s sponsor, Chick-fil-A. According to Fuller, the restaurant’s elf cow will be in attendance and available for photos. Chick-fil-A sponsoring the showing and bringing their elf cow made it somewhat of a given that “Elf” would be selected as one of the movies to be shown in December, Fuller explained.

Although admission to these movies is free, Fuller said those interested in going do have to reserve tickets. She said this can be done by texting her at 256-996-2131 and requesting them. Both “Elf” and “The Polar Express” will start at 7 PM and be shown at the DeKalb Theater on Gault Avenue in Fort Payne.

“I’m thankful it’s all worked out, that this has been a success like it has,” Fuller said.