As area parents begin to get their children ready for the start of the new school year, employees with Cassopolis’ Midwest Energy Cooperative are looking to raise families’ spirits — and their altitude — as summer winds down.

The energy company is hosting its first ever family movie night Thursday, held from 6 to 9 p.m. on the lawn of the Cass County COA Lowe Center, located at 60525 Decatur Rd. in Cassopolis. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs with them as they watch the night’s feature presentation, Disney/Pixar’s “Up,” which will be shown on a 21 by 17 foot LED jumbotron, said Patty Nowlin, director of communications and community relations with Midwest.

Midwest is the latest company to jump on this growing trend of outdoor movie nights, which harken back to the days when drive-in movie theaters were king, Nowlin said.

“We wanted to recreate something like that in a fun and festive environment,” she said.

The flying house depicted in the popular kid’s movie displayed on the silver screen won’t be the only thing taking the sky that evening. Families will have the opportunity to take a ride on an eight-story hot air balloon, provided by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, for $10 per person.

Organizers will also be raffling off five prize baskets during the event, which will include prizes such as children’s bikes and deals for Midwest services. Midwest is also teaming up with Cassopolis’ Smokin’ Good BBQ, which will be selling hotdogs, brats and pulled pork.

While the evening will provide plenty of family-friendly fun for visitors, organizers are hoping the movie night will also draw out some generosity from people in the local area. The event is part of the energy cooperative’s ongoing Fueling the Fight campaign, and is designed to raise money for West Michigan Cancer Center, a Kalamazoo-based treatment center that supports residents throughout southwest Michigan.

“All of the proceeds, from the food to balloon rides, along with any donations we get, will go to the West Michigan Cancer Center,” Nowlin said.

Started in 2013, Fueling the Fight has raised over $35,000 for cancer care and services, Nowlin said. In addition to fundraisers such as Thursday’s movie night, Midwest also donates a penny to the cause for every gallon of propane it fills for customers in August.

While attendance to the movie night is free, visitors are encouraged to leave a donation for the cancer center.

“Come out and join us, and bring your dollars and a generous sprit,” Nowlin said. “We’re looking forward to a great night.”