Author Archives: mrdrivein

Ceres Drive-In may reopen this year

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Ceres CA fall sunset

photo by Mouse209

According to an article in the Modesto (CA) Bee, the Ceres Theatre may reopen some time in 2013. The drive-in had closed after the 2008 season, then suffered extensive damage in a “suspicious” fire in June 2010. But its new owners, Diego Castillo and family, say the local community wants to see it reopen.

For now, the site operates as a flea market on weekends. Starting in April, a farmers market will operate alongside the flea market. There’s a new concession area, but Castillo said a separate projection booth still needs to be built.

Bee columnist Jeff Jardine also voiced his support for the drive-in. “A nostalgic night out,” he wrote, “just like the olden days. The kids might find they actually like leaving the house to watch a movie beneath the stars.” Here’s hoping!

Town and Country raises enough cash to survive

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Town & Country Drive-In (click to visit)The Town and Country Drive-In, which we profiled here in December, announced that it has raised enough money to continue operating. In a press release, quoted in the Abilene Reporter News, owner Glenda Thornton said that the “Go Digital or Go Dark” campaign had succeeded. “Thanks to this support we were able to obtain financing and make a down payment to get the project going,” Thornton said in the release. KTXS, Abilene’s News Leader, also has a story and a nice video segment about this good news.

Since the amount raised was just a down payment, fundraisers will continue this year to pay off the new digital projectors. The drive-in is also looking for volunteers. If you’re interested, you can sign up at the Town and County’s Facebook page.

Kanopolis set to reopen in March

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Kanopolis KS drive-in projectorThe Hutchinson (KS) News published an opinion piece with the uncontroversial assertion that “This summer you should drive up to Kanopolis to see a movie.” Sheila Lismon’s article was a celebration of the Kanopolis Drive-In, which announced on Facebook that it will reopen for another season March 8.

Any drive-in that continues showing movies in 2013 is a cause for celebration, but the Kanopolis is a special case. As documented in a 2011 Hutchinson News article, the Kanopolis had been closed for five years when a nearby family purchased and restored it to life. “It was a lot more work than I thought it would be,” said Amanda Webb, one of the owners.

That 2011 article mentions that the Kanopolis was using its original reel projectors, but that there were hopeful plans to go digital. Those plans must have come to fruition, because a December post on its Facebook page read: Still looking for that perfect Christmas present? Or do you need to get a gift for that person that seemingly has EVERYTHING? The Kanopolis Drive in is upgrading to digital and we need to clear out the vintage 35 mm equipment! All the equipment would make great additions to your home theater!

Such great news to keep our spirits high as we head into reopening (or not) season. Go read those articles and put a smile on your face!