08/22/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/171PsvtQzd/
As we hit time of year when a lot of drive in theaters wind down for the season, it's our 75th year providing entertainment under the stars, I want to share some insight on what our business challenges are and why your support is exponentially important, especially for the remainder of our season. We are hoping to stay open through Christmas, weather permitting.
We have many challenges facing the drive in operation. Most important is the shortage of movies. Just this upcoming weekend, Labor Day weekend, there is not any *new* movies for us to play, this would have been unheard of just a few years ago. Many production delays are providing a lack of movies. There is also the lack of interest in the movies. You may not be aware that we have to pay for the second feature, if you stay or not. Everyone who enters the theatre is counted for the second feature as well. We pay admission cost (often as much as 60%) for the majority who do not stay and watch the second feature. So for one adult admission of $7.00, $4.20 of that goes directly to the movie studio, $0.49 goes for taxes, which means we are left with $2.31 per person for both movies for payroll, supplies and expenses.
I know, most people pay for streaming and can sit at home and enjoy a movie. Thatβs ok, my own family does it too. But movies are truly meant for big screens. When you attend a movie theatre, it is just not about the movie only. It is about the EXPERIENCE. To meet other people or to enjoy the movie with your friends or families. To enjoy snacks at the concession stand. At a drive in theatre you get the feel of nature as you are under the stars.
So, after you have read all of this, please continue to support the drive in. There are less than 300 drive-in theatres still operating in the United States. We are so fortunate to be one of them, the best of the midwest.
Thanks for all your continued support and we cannot wait to see you at the drive in!!
~ Sara ~