After literally years of waiting, Pahrumpians may finally be able to go out and see a movie.

And although it won't be at a movie theater, it will be free of charge and, perhaps even better, under the stars.

Last Monday evening Rod Fox, owner of Milestone Entertainment LLC., unveiled his 40-foot, inflatable movie screen on Field C of Petrack Park.

Fox would like to show movies regularly during the summer using either his 35 millimeter film or video projector.

"We're looking for a permanent location," Fox said.

However, whether or not going to the park and enjoying an evening picnic and a movie with the family becomes an option for residents of the town depends on how the community responds.

So far Fox and his movie screen are scheduled to show a film June 30 as part of the weekend Freedom Festival.

If the community responds well, townsfolk just might be able to plan on a night out at the movies on a regular basis.

The movies shown by Fox wouldn't be the same as ones playing theaters, but they would be movies that haven't been released on DVD yet.

Yet, as everyone knows, there's no such thing as a free lunch -- or a free movie -- in this life.

Fox would generate revenue by renting out space to vendors who would sell all the usual movie-going necessities, such as popcorn, hot dogs, and soda.

Laurayne Murray, chairman of the Pahrump Town Board, standing in the park as a the flickering blue lights of a preview for the movie "Happy Feet" played in front of her, said this was something the town would "absolutely" support.

"This would definitely be a summer event where families can go out and enjoy a movie," Murray said.

"I think it's a great idea because the town would have to invest no money," Marvin Minnick, member of the tourism advisory board, said.

Minnick conceded there may be a nominal fee for clean-up or security, but Murray indicated that could possibly be paid for though room tax revenues.

In addition, local businesses could help sponsor movie nights and set up booths or tents and get the opportunity to meet their local patrons and tell them about their services.

So far it looks like a popular idea.

"I think it's been well-received," Fox said. "Now it's just up to the community and local businesses to support us."