Old fashioned fun

All that’s old is new again

CINEMATIC ENJOYMENT EMPHASIZES SAFETY

By Janis Wallace

It’s one of the touchstones of summer fun – the drive-in theatre. These days a drive-in movie provides a way to enjoy some entertainment safely under the stars.

“It’s families, kids and a relaxed atmosphere,” says Allan P. Barnes, owner of the Starlite Drive-in of Grand Bend. “It’s different than indoors. There’s no COVID here. You can be as active as you want or stay in your car. You can walk the dog, take the kids to the playground and see one or two movies, bring your own food. It’s laid-back.”

Barnes, who owns another drive-in in Hamilton as well as an indoor theatre, says each drive-in has its own personality and audience. “In Grand Bend it’s generally families. It’s community. You’re not huddled in the dark watching. It’s more welcoming, more family-friendly.”

That audience dictates his choice of movies to run. Animated films are top attractions. Barnes has learned from experience. After graduating from film school, he said there wasn’t much production happening, but plenty on the exhibition side of the business. Of five Hamilton drive-ins, four closed the same year. He saw the business opportunity and bought the remaining one. The Starlite in Grand Bend was purchased in the late ‘80s.

Over the years, technology has advance significantly, enhancing the experience. Barnes said the drive-in has gone from cast-off to prime choice, especially after the pandemic. The type of movie that draws the family audience in Grand Bend hasn’t changed though.

When he bought the theatre, Barnes thought it would attract teens. “Was I wrong. The customer showed me the error of my ways by not coming. On a long weekend, I showed Incredible Journey by chance. It sold out. So, I give them what they want.”

Two movies are shown each night: family fare first, followed by one aimed more at adults. About 50 percent of the audience stays for both. It’s a great way to entertain the kids for a couple of hours, says Barnes.

In the summer of 2020, about 100 of the 300-car capacity turned out regularly. A typical visit involves taking the young ones to the playground, having something to eat at the picnic tables and settling in to watch the first feature.

“Always make the customer happy and they will come back,” says Barnes. n

● FOR MORE INFORMATION • STARLITE DRIVE-IN • 36, 752 Crediton Road, Grand Bend • 519-238-8344 www.starlitedriveintheatre.com/GrandBend.html

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