Normally, when I hear the phrase “indoor drive-in” as part of a community event, my lip curls as I think, “Isn’t that cute?” Are they using carboard boxes for kids? Is it just a drive-in theme for a movie in a gymnasium?

Now I’ll pause before thinking that way. Last weekend, the Laramie County Event Center, just east of Cheyenne WY, held a different kind of indoor drive-in. It included privately owned vehicles that drove inside to watch the movie. According to their Facebook page, they’ve been holding these holiday-season indoor drive-ins since at least 2019.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle ran a nice collection of photos from last Saturday’s event, which is how I learned about it. There were more than a few pickup trucks among the 60 vehicles allowed inside, along with plenty of faux “lawn” space for walk-in patrons. The organizers provided a free movie, free popcorn and sodas, and collected coat donations. It all sounds like a great way to spend a cold wintry evening.

Since the only permanent drive-in, Powell WY’s American Dream, is on the other side of the state, I hope that someone in Cheyenne can figure out how to build something outdoors for starry summer nights. Till then, at least they have this.