Movie moms looking for new venue ahead of Rainbow’s end

The pending closure of Rainbow Cinemas in Saskatoon means a group of mothers will have to find a new place for its weekly outings.

Movies for Mommies has been partnered with the theatre at The Centre mall for the past 14 years, giving mothers the opportunity to go to films with their babies.

“They can do something they used to do before baby came, and kind of feel normal again,” organizer Jennie Vessey said.

“It’s a way for them to get out, connect with other moms and connect with the community.”

The Thursday 1 p.m. showings also mean mothers don’t have to worry about the babies crying.

“Because everyone is in the same boat,” Vessey said.

The mother of two is hopeful she and the rest of the group can find another venue for their events before Rainbow Cinemas closes in May 2020.

But it may be difficult to find a replacement with the same amenities — cheap ticket prices and an underground parking lot.

“We’re not sure what the future looks like, but we’ll find something,” she said.

Rainbow Cinemas’ closure will also mean losing a place that holds special memories for a lot of moms.

Vessey said she first attended a Movies for Mommies event five years ago, when her first daughter was just three months old.

“It was our first time going out just the two of us,” she said.

“It just helped me feel like I had a bit more freedom after baby, and I fell in love with it.”

Since then, she said she’s brought both her daughters to many of the group’s events.

“They pretty much grew up here.”