The popular summer diversion – “Movies in the Park” – won’t be taking place this year.

DeCristo Productions headed up by Fred White can’t secure insurance for the screenings that also included entertainment from interactive game shows to bands.

The movies typically took place on Saturdays at Manteca city parks. One year they took place weekly for two months while in other years they were several weeks part.

They typically lured 700 to 1,200 people each screening to venues such as Woodward Park and Northgate Park.

White started the Movies in the Park as a low-cost summer outing for financially-stressed families in a safe setting. Some years there was no charge but in recent years when the groups got larger and expenses were incurred by the city, a $1 charge was added.

Families typically brought blankets, lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and coolers hours before the sun went down to enjoy other free entertainment prior to the main attraction.