El Cajon Boulevard BIA to host a nighttime, outdoor film series at the North Park hotel
By Monica Garske | SDUN Reporter
It is no secret the famed Weissmuller Pool at the historic Lafayette Hotel in North Park is a major attraction by day. This summer, through efforts by the El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Assocation (BIA), the swimming pool has become a hotspot at night as well.
The BIA has organized a regular Poolside Film Series at the Lafayette, located at 2223 El Cajon Blvd., featuring outdoor movies every Thursday night.
BIA marketing director Beryl Forman said July’s theme is movies starring comedian Chevy Chase. This month’s series will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 12 with the 1980 golf classic, “Caddyshack,” marking the third time the movie has been screened at the pool.
Chase’s 1985 reporter flick “Fletch” will follow on July 19 and the summertime staple “National Lampoon’s Vacation” will play at the pool on July 26.
Forman said the movies will show on a giant projector screen located at the far end of the swimming pool. Attendees can watch the movie while relaxing on a lounge chair or, better yet, while taking a dip in the pool.
“The pool is heated, so it’s really perfect for night swimming. All you need to bring is your bathing suit and towel,” Forman said.
The poolside theater is open to both the public and hotel guests. Entry into the movie pool party is $3 per person or $5 per couple, and Lafayette hotel guests get in for free.
Those who dine at the hotel’s Imig Restaurant can also enjoy the Thursday night films for free.
Forman said proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the BIA, going back into the budget so the association can continue to host fun, community events along El Cajon Boulevard.
Saying he was constantly looking for ways to bring positive attention to the businesses along The Boulevard, Forman called hosting this summertime series at the Lafayette a “no-brainer,” especially now that hotel owners have completed their renovations.
“The Lafayette is truly one of the gems of El Cajon Boulevard. It’s not only beautiful, it’s such a community-oriented meeting space too,” Forman said. “We had been trying to host something like this ever since The Lafayette finished its renovations. This place deserves poolside movies.”
Lafayette marketing director Marisa Fallone said she is thrilled to get the weekly event going, and she believes the outdoor movies will help bring Uptown residents together.
“Not only is this a great amenity for our hotel guests, but it’s a great activity to offer our neighbors. It’s a way to get everyone in the community involved in something new,” she said.
Surrounding businesses on The Boulevard have already jumped on board.
Forman said local sponsors for the poolside film series include Live Wire, Mama’s Bakery, Lips, Til-Two, Flavors of East Africa, Bar Pink and Cali Baguette Express. Boulevard Fitness covered the costs of the projector and screen.
In June, the BIA and the Lafayette screened vintage Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello beach party films, which Forman said were a success.
“The people that came out to those were into it and enjoyed it. There were about 20 heads bobbing up in the pool, facing the projector screen,” Forman said.
“Like any new event at our pool, it’ll take a little time for this to pick up momentum but once it does, we expect a good turnout. We want to see a lot of people floating around in the pool, socializing and watching fun, engaging movies with us,” Fallone said.
For more information, visit theboulevard.org or call 619-283-3608.
What: July Poolside Film Series
Where: The Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd. in North Park
When: July 12, July 19, July 26
Time: 7:30 – 10 p.m.
Cost: $3 per person, $5 per couple; Free for hotel guests and Imig Restaurant patrons
