By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Out of necessity, drive-in style movie nights are coming out with sequels this summer.
Since people can’t crowd into movie theaters to experience big screen entertainment, makeshift outdoor screens are popping up in communities.
In Bowling Green, the Thayer Family Dealership has been hosting drive-in style movie nights – with the last summer showing being Thursday (Aug. 13) starting around 8:15 p.m.
“We have always done some events in the summer,” said Rachael London, of Thayer Family Dealerships. “But when it came to planning stuff after being shut down,” the social distancing rules made it difficult.
“We wanted to still have something for our customers and the community,” London said.
So they decided hosting drive-in movies was the ticket. The dealership bought a huge blow-up screen, a projector, and an FM transmitter that connects with car radios. Speakers were purchased as a back-up plan if the transmitter didn’t work.
“It’s been great,” London said.
The events have gotten such rave reviews, that they will continue into the fall.
This week’s movie is planned at Thayer Honda, 1255 N. Main St.,starting at dusk. Showing will be “Onward,” a computer animated film about two elf brothers who set out on a quest together.
Each movie night, the drive-in draws more viewers, London said. The first movie brought in 25 vehicles, and last week’s attracted 55.
The movies are free and come with one complimentary snack pack per vehicle. If possible, the snacks follow the theme of the movie. For example, when the feature was “Sandlot,” the packs contained snacks like cracker jacks and sunflower seeds.
Thayer employees wear masks as they hand out the snacks. Movie-goers sit in their cars, or bring lawn chairs for viewing.
“It’s cool for kids and adults,” London said.
So cool, that the movie nights won’t end at the close of summer. Eight more are planned for the fall. The line-up isn’t complete yet, but some of the picks include a Halloween movie for kids, “Grease” on a Friday night when the dealership traditionally has its annual car show, and “Bad Moms” for a Moms’ Night Out.
“We put it on Facebook and asked for some ideas for the fall, since it’s going so well,” London said.
Though the movies will remain free, donations may be taken in the future to be given to local community groups, she said.
