A recent story in the Northwest Herald, which serves McHenry County IL, described how a few seasonal businesses there were preparing for the return of warm weather. After spending the first half talking about an ice cream parlor, the article began discussing something we care about, the McHenry Outdoor Theater of McHenry IL.

You may remember that the McHenry was one of a swarm of Illinois drive-ins that launched Kickstarter campaigns in the hope of getting enough cash to buy digital projectors. The Northwest Herald tells us that, for the McHenry, Kickstarter didn’t work, falling about $100,000 short of its $130,000 goal. When you don’t reach a Kickstarter goal, the folks who pledged don’t have to pay anything, so the McHenry got nothing out of it. This year, they plan to try Indiegogo, where they think they’ll have a better chance at a smaller amount.

The best news is that the McHenry will reopen for another season on May 3. Let’s hope it can stay alive!

KHQA, the Tri-States’ News Leader, reports that the Clark 54 Drive-In of Summer Hill IL is for sale, and the official Clark 54 web site confirms it.

According to KHQA, owner Mike Glass isn’t selling because of the looming conversion to digital projection or a lack of business, but “for personal reasons.” Okay.

The Clark 54 opened in 1952. KHQA says that a real estate agent said it’s averaged over $61,000 in annual profit over the last six years. The 70-foot screen was recently refurbished “and the septic system has been given health department approval.” I’m all in favor of that! And I know that the Clark 54 already has a Facebook page, because that’s where I borrowed the thumbnail to illustrate this news note. For another couple of photos and a few more details, check out the KHQA article.

The listing price is reported to be $245,000. If you’re interested, contact Wade Real Estate at 217-285-2774.