56 Auto Drive-In pulls them in from across the border

Screen being repaired at 56 Auto Drive-InYes, drive-ins are so powerful, they can pull in visitors from other countries. Take as an example the 56 Auto Drive-In of Massena NY. It’s such an attractive draw that it’s featured in an affectionate profile in the Cornwall (Ontario) Seaway News.

Still more good news, one of the owners of the 56 is quoted as saying that it will convert to digital projection in time for the start of the 2014 drive-in season. One note of caution: “bug spray is a prerequisite on a night like this.”

The 56’s web site confirms that the first family waiting in line was from Cornwall. (That site also has a nice set of photos documenting the repair of its screen.)

The lengthy article in the Seaway News includes a nice little video clip of what it looks like from the projection room when the movie gets started, plus a small photo gallery. It’s worth a visit, no matter what country you’re from.

Twilite may become Municipal Heritage Property

Wolseley Town Hall and Opera House

Wolseley City Hall and Opera House, photo by BriYYZ

SaskNewsNow.com reports that the Twilite Drive-In of Wolseley, Saskatchewan, may be designated as a Municipal Heritage Property by the regional municipality of Wolseley. (The story refers to Wolseley as an ‘RM’, as if I’d know what that meant without looking it up.)

“It’s an important part of our community,” said Rose Zimmer, administrator for the RM of Wolseley. “It’s an important part of our history.”

According to the article, the Twilite was the first drive-in in Saskatchewan when it opened 59 years ago, and it’s still being operated by the family of its original owners. The MHP designation could make the Twilite eligible for government grants, which would be used to upgrade the screen or the physical plant, but it won’t help with digital transition expenses. They still plan to hold fundraisers to buy a digital projector this spring.

To get an idea of how small and cute the Twilite is, check out this Google overhead view, then go see the file photo that accompanies the SaskNewsNow article. That is such a dear little drive-in, and I’d love to visit it some day.

Nova Scotia drive-in gets a shiny new screen

Valley Drive-In screen during restorationThe Herald News of Halifax, Nova Scotia, reports that the Valley Drive-In in Cambridge is completing its digital conversion with a new screen. (You really should check out the photo in the Herald’s story; it’s more current than the Facebook photo to the right.) The Valley added a digital projector last year, and the new plastic-coated screen will finish the upgrade.

According to a note on the Valley’s Facebook page, it would have needed a silver-colored screen to project 3D movies, but the new screen will be white. (That page also noted that polarized windshields also knock out the 3D effect, so there you go.) It’s great to hear about another drive-in that’s ready for another few decades of service. Have fun up there!