One of my most treasured memories from my childhood (hands down) was loading up all of my friends and heading to the Drive-in. My mom would break out the phone book and call each one. Then she would let us pick which movies we wanted to see. I can remember watching the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre at the New Albany Drive-in. The first time that I watched Friday the 13th, was at Lakewood. The Hills Have Eyes terrified me at the Clarksville Drive-in. That was back in 70's and early 80's.
Sadly, none of these survived the age of the VCR. Home Depot replaced the New Albany Drive-in. I cannot recall what sits over the location where Lakewood used to be. Finally, where the Clarksville Drive-in was...sits an empty lot. Never developed, only the ghostly remnants remain. Where the large screen, the projection house, and the concession stand once stood, now stands an empty and overgrown field. Only those who had actually been there could recognize what it once used to be. As each one had the screens dismantled, the concession stand reduced to rubble, and the gates closed for good, it seemed that the Drive-in experience was one that my children would never get to experience. But against all odds, one Drive-in still remains. One Drive-in keeps my childhood memories alive and creates new memories for my children...The Georgetown Drive-in Theatre.
The Georgetown Drive-in, located in Georgetown, Indiana, has withstood the test of time and the wrath of Mother Nature. Built in 1951, Georgetown Drive-in sits just off of State Road 64. It originally opened with one screen, a concession stand, a playground, and those lovely speakers that conveniently hang on your car door window. Georgetown Drive-in remained the only one in operation even after the others had closed. Even though the popularity of watching movies in the great outdoors was declining in the face of video stores, Georgetown would keep the single-screened Drive-in open to the public. Then, during a scene that was straight from the movie "Twister", an intense storm system moved through Georgetown in the 1990's. A possible tornado touched down during the early morning hours and severely damaged the screen, the playground, and the concession stand. It seemed as though Georgetown's Drive-in days were gone forever. But the nostalgia would not die so easily.
After a tremendous showing of support from the community, the Powell's decided to rebuild. Georgetown Drive-in reopened and provided fans with two screens, a new playground, and a whole new twist on the conventional Drive-in experience. The Drive-in would now feature entertainment of a different nature in addition to the movies. There were live bands, car cruises, special guest stars, Halloween parties, and the list goes on. This new approach to the old Drive-in was an instant hit. Now, it is hard to find a night when the Drive-in is not filled to capacity. Kudos to Bill Powell. His vision for the future of the Drive-in, kept the past alive for the next generation of fans.
Last year, I attended "The Zombie Walk." Everyone in attendance that night was encouraged to dress like zombies. However, if you did not come as a zombie, you could certainly leave as one. On hand, were special effects and make-up artists, who gladly changed your flesh face into that of the undead...free of charge. Further, the Drive-in celebrated the 30th anniversary of the movie "Halloween." Fans encountered a rare treat for Halloween. They were able to meet actors from the movies, just prior to watching them. It was an incredible time for those of every age.
This past Friday, movie goers were treated to a showing of the horrific 1973 version of "The Exorcist." On hand (and in person) for the showing, was none other than the star of the movie...Linda Blair!!! Yes, Bill Powell has taken the Drive-in to a whole new level. Coming soon, the star of Rob Zombie's Halloween 2, Casey Hendershot (Michael Myers) will be there for the debut of the movie.
Go early, take chairs, take blankets, and your camera!!! You never know who you will see at The Georgetown Drive-in. And as Bill says..."We'll be seeing you under the stars at the Georgetown Drive-In Theatre!"
For the dates and admission prices of upcoming events visit www.georgetowndrivein.com
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