This summer the town of Lumsden will have a new tourist attraction as Moonlight Movies drive-in theatre is moving in.
Co-owner Shawn Barrett said the company was operating in Manitou Beach for a couple of years but, once new ownership took over, a new lease agreement couldn’t be reached.
However, Barrett added that, thanks to social media, Moonlight Movies was able to find a new home.
“We have a pretty popular Facebook page,” said Barrett. “We just put a feeler out there and someone from the town of Lumsden approached us and because they thought they had a pretty good location that would work and it was just a match made in heaven I think.”
Movie buffs will be able to enjoy both new and older movies. He said they won’t have movies that have recently come out in theatres, but more similar to what’s in cheaper theatres.
“We’ll have a new movie before it comes out on video, so more like a Rainbow Cinemas that gets movies a little after the fact,” he said.
Classics like Dirty Dancing and the 1978 hit Grease, which has the drive-in movie theatre scene with Danny and Sandy, have always brought out a crowd as well.
“You think that’s quite the old movie and we’ve played many Hollywood blockbusters but I tell ya, Grease that just brings them out!”
He does say that they have a better connection with the movie studios this year and will try to run more current movies this season.
Although no movie has been chosen, Moonlight Movies expects to open for May long weekend. It could open earlier, depending on weather. The co-owner said its Facebook page is the best for getting up to date information.
Speaking about the actual location, Barrett said it will be in the town’s River Park. Space is limited with roughly 50 parking spots, but there will be plenty of grass space for people to enjoy the movie as well.
“It’s not going to be like the old style where you know you’d pull up and someone would put a speaker in your window,” said Barrett.
He said you will need a radio to hear the movie though, and if you are bringing a blanket for the grass make sure to bring a portable radio as well. A concession and bathrooms will also be on site for guests to use.