SUGARHOUSE, Utah (ABC4) — In a unique celebration of National Popcorn Day, the Cinemark Theater in Sugarhouse hosted a special 'bring your own bucket' event on January 18 and 19, drawing popcorn enthusiasts from across the region. Moviegoers arrived with containers that varied widely in size and design, showcasing their creativity and love for this beloved snack. The event allowed patrons to bring any container up to a maximum capacity of 400 ounces, providing a delightful opportunity for fans to indulge in their favorite popcorn flavors while enjoying a cinematic experience. As attendees entered the theater, they were greeted by the enticing aroma of freshly popped popcorn, filling the air and setting the stage for a festive atmosphere. "This is a fantastic way for popcorn lovers to express their creativity and enjoy a fun outing with family and friends," said Jessica Martinez, a spokesperson for Cinemark. "We love to celebrate National Popcorn Day in a way that encourages our guests to have fun with their popcorn experience." The event attracted a diverse crowd, from families with children to college students eager to enjoy a movie night. Many attendees took the opportunity to showcase their custom buckets, which ranged from classic popcorn containers adorned with personal touches to large, extravagant creations that seemed more suited for a carnival than a movie theater. One notable entry was a bucket shaped like a classic movie reel, crafted by local artist Sarah Jensen. "I wanted to do something different that reflects my love for both movies and popcorn. This event is a perfect combination of both!" she exclaimed as she filled her bucket with a mix of buttery and caramel popcorn. As the event unfolded, lines formed at the popcorn counters, where staff members worked diligently to fill the imaginative containers brought by guests. Cinemark offered a variety of popcorn options, including traditional butter, cheese, caramel, and even specialty flavors like dill pickle and spicy jalapeño, appealing to all taste preferences. Many guests took the opportunity to mix and match flavors, creating their own unique popcorn blends. For those who did not come prepared with a bucket, Cinemark provided a selection of its own branded containers available for purchase. This ensured that everyone could participate in the festivities, regardless of their initial plans. The theater also featured promotions on drinks and candy, complementing the popcorn offerings and enhancing the overall movie-going experience. The event was not just about enjoying popcorn; it also served as a community gathering, bringing together neighbors and friends who might not have otherwise crossed paths. Many guests took the opportunity to socialize and bond over their shared love of cinema and snacks. Parents engaged in conversations with other families, while young adults shared laughs over their creative container choices. Cinemark’s initiative to celebrate National Popcorn Day in such an interactive manner reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where theaters are seeking to enhance audience engagement and create memorable experiences. By encouraging patrons to bring their own containers, Cinemark not only promoted customer creativity but also fostered a sense of community involvement. The event also highlighted the nostalgia that popcorn holds for many people. For many attendees, the act of enjoying popcorn at the movies is a cherished tradition, often associated with childhood memories of family outings or first dates. "Popcorn has always been a staple of the movie-going experience for me, and events like this remind us of the simple joys of life," remarked Tim Reynolds, a local resident who attended the event with his children. As National Popcorn Day draws to a close, Cinemark's 'bring your own bucket' event stands out as a successful celebration that combined creativity, community, and, of course, the joy of popcorn. With plans to continue similar events in the future, Cinemark reinforces its commitment to enhancing the cinema experience for its patrons. The joyful atmosphere and the smiles on the faces of popcorn lovers proved that sometimes, all it takes is a bucket of popcorn to create lasting memories. As the lights dimmed for the evening screenings, attendees left with not only their buckets filled to the brim but also a sense of connection to their community and a renewed appreciation for the simple pleasure of enjoying a movie with popcorn. With such enthusiasm from the local community, it is likely that this event will become a cherished tradition at Cinemark theaters across the nation, celebrating not just popcorn, but the joy of shared experiences in cinema.