About 70 people gathered Dec. 18 at the Rangeley Friends of the Arts Lakeside Theater for a free community screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” closing out the organization’s series of December holiday events.

“Dec. 18 was the final event in the series of free events and was special because it partnered with a local business, The Farmer’s Daughter in Oquossoc, to bring one of their personal family traditions, watching ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,’ and sharing a night of lighthearted laughter together with the community,” said Diane Bellington, executive director of Rangeley Friends of the Arts.

Bellington said this was the second screening of the movie, and they plan to make it an annual tradition.

“This partnership shared the licensing fee in order to offer this free to the community,” Bellington said.

Local musicians The Shapeshifters played holiday music in the lobby gallery before the movie, and the photographs of Walter Mularz were on display, Bellington said.

Looking ahead, Bellington said Rangeley Friends of the Arts will continue offering programming throughout the winter.

“During the winter months, we offer movies every weekend, theater rentals, movies during vacation weeks, and The Lakeside Dance Academy hosts classes for youth as well as adults weekly,” she said. “A winter film series is in the works, and ballroom dance classes will begin in January.”

According to the Rangeley Friends of the Arts website, the organization is continuing its transition into a fully accessible, state-of-the-art theater serving the Western Mountains region. Recent investments include the creation of a dedicated performance area for bands and the successful completion of a redesigned Main Street façade. The updated exterior features a traditional theater marquee, new signage identifying the building as the Rangeley Friends of the Arts for the first time since it was acquired in 2014, energy-efficient LED lighting that complies with local Dark Skies ordinances and a more accessible, weather-protected entrance.

Community members can stay up to date on upcoming events through the Rangeley Friends of the Arts website or the Rangeley Chamber of Commerce calendar. Organizers said the free “Christmas Vacation” screening is expected to return next year as an annual holiday tradition.