UPSTATE — The World of Energy will celebrate Oconee Nuclear Station’s 40th anniversary by hosting an outdoor movie night on Friday, July 19, featuring the movie “The Croods.” 

The prehistoric comedy adventure is rated PG and follows the world’s first family as they embark on the journey of a lifetime when the cave that has always shielded them is destroyed.   Showtime for the movie is 9 p.m.

Prior to the movie, the World of Energy will also host a celebration of Oconee Nuclear’s 40 years of operation  with free cake, ice cream and giveaways from 7 to 9 p.m., plus extended visiting hours at the World of Energy until 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to come out early for the celebration and then relax on the shore or in a boat and enjoy the movie.

The Oconee Nuclear Station began operating  unit 1 in July of 1973, with units 2 and 3 soon following. Oconee has safely and reliably generated more than 500 million megawatt-hours of electricity — the first nuclear station in the United States to achieve this milestone. Oconee earned the further distinction of being the second nuclear station in the country to have its licenses renewed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for an additional 20 years. All U.S. reactors are initially licensed by the NRC for 40 years.

“We want the community to share in this milestone celebration of 40 years of operation here at Oconee,” said BJ Gatten, communications manager of the World of Energy.  “We’re proud of the service we provide and are thankful to the people of this community for allowing us to operate for the past 40 years.”

No pets or alcoholic beverages are permitted at the outdoor movie night. Limited parking will be available at the World of Energy and additional parking is available across Highway130 at the ballfield. 

Transportation from the overflow parking area to the World of Energy will be provided, as well as transportation to the lake’s peninsula for those who need it. 

For more information, directions or in case of bad weather, check our website, www.duke-energy.com/worldofenergy or call 800-777-1004.