With the country and Colorado still in the throes of a pandemic, the City of Centennial needed to get creative to save some summer togetherness. Many of the city's traditional summer events have been canceled due to COVID-19 precautions.

So for the first time ever, the city has put on drive-in movie events under the name "Wheels & Reels" in an effort to bring people together while adhering to public health restrictions.

Eric and Rita Graham came with family to watch “The Lion King” July 16 in a parking lot at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus. The Grahams had dropped in from Michigan to visit other family members in Colorado — Rita Graham's uncle came to the drive-in event to work a food truck.

“Because of coronavirus, we limited our contact, so at least we get to see them and see a movie,” Rita Graham said. “We try to make the most of (the) COVID-19 time.”

Suzi Losasso, 39, sat with 11-year-old James Losasso a few rows back in a lot with dozens of vehicles. James Losasso had been feeling like there was nothing to do.

“I think it's fantastic — a good way to get out as a family, see a movie with our family and just be outdoors,” Suzi Losasso said.

The first movie in the city's "Wheels & Reels" drive-in series was “Sonic the Hedgehog,” shown June 18, and the second was “A Dog's Journey,” shown June 25, both at The Streets at SouthGlenn outdoor mall.

A showing of "Toy Story 4" at the Innovation Campus is sold out.

Slated for July 30: "The Secret Life of Pets," also at The Streets at SouthGlenn. Admission is by ticket only; information is available here.