point of interest
MEET ME AT THE DRIVE-IN S P E N D A N E V E N I N G U N D E R T H E S TA R S AT I O WA ’ S O L D E S T D R I V E - I N M O V I E T H E AT E R By Haley Banwart
F
or more than 70 years, moviegoers have flocked to the Valle Drive-In for old-fashioned family fun and entertainment.
much has changed at the old-school picture show. Its authentic qualities and first-run movies continue to captivate audiences of all ages.
In their heyday, Iowa was home to more than 70 drive-ins. Today, only four remain.
One-of-a-Kind Cinema Experience
The Valle Drive-In, located near Newton, is Iowa’s oldest surviving outdoor theater. Aside from swapping film reels for digital formats, not
12
| FRESH PICKINGS MAGAZINE
On a typical summer night at the Valle Drive-In, lines of cars arrive early to scout out the best parking spaces. Guests are greeted at the ticket window under the glow of
Valle’s signature neon sign. As daylight turns to dusk, moviegoers mingle and settle in for a double feature presentation. A steady stream of patrons make their way to the original snack shack for food, popcorn, candy and refreshments. Meanwhile, original 1950s teaser trailers entertain viewers with vintage ads, snack bar cartoons and friendly drive-in reminders.
