photo by Birdie Jaworski

It’s so exciting to find some seriously good news about one of the drive-ins closest to our hearts. The Fort Union Drive-In in Las Vegas NM has reopened for the 2014 season with a new digital projector, which should ensure its continued existence for decades to come. This great news comes from the Santa Fe New Mexican, which wrote a story about the local benefactor who stepped forward to save the drive-in.

Even such great news comes with a tinge of sadness. This is the first I’d heard of the demise of the Kiva Theater in downtown Las Vegas. When I visited the Kiva in May 2013, it was a vibrant community hub showing the latest films. According to the New Mexican story, the Kiva closed last fall because it couldn’t raise the money to buy a digital projector.

But let’s look at the excitement of getting another drive-in on solid footing. New general manager Jake Cordova, 18, persuaded his grandfather “to help buy the projector and take over the drive-in,” according to the story. Cordova plans to add another night, Thursday, to the weekend lineup and to keep the Fort Union open into October each year. Thanks to everyone who’s keeping this piece of Americana alive for generations to come.

The Carlsbad NM Current-Argus (what a great name for a newspaper!) recently wrote that the Fiesta Drive-In there has completed its digital changeover and will be operating year-round.

According to the lengthy article, one of the three screens will be showing double features, and there are plenty of daily specials including Thursdays as Carload night.

Fiesta owner Zach Rogers said, “We really need the support of the community to help us. I just like to see people come out and enjoy themselves, especially with their families.” There’s a lot more, so go check it out.