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Drive-IN Movie Night in Tacoma

The Perfect COVID Outing: Welcome Back to the Drive-In!

Can an activity that peaked in popularity 70 years ago connect us to one another now in the modern pandemic age? All across the world, people are rediscovering the magic of sitting in a car, turning up the dial on their stereo, and watching lights dance across a large screen. While drive-in theaters aren’t new, they serve as a beacon of nostalgia and hope for us in a time where we all need something to celebrate! Park yourself somewhere comfy and grab some snacks—we’re going to the movies, COVID-style!

At this moment in history, many of us are spending a lot of time at home, yearning to be social. And then, almost immediately, we are smacked with the reminder that “Oh yeah, I’m really not supposed to be out people-ing right now. Dang!” Well, what if we told you there is a way you can enjoy a shared community experience, safely, and it’s outside the walls of your home? Read on, dear friend, for you don’t even need to venture far off somewhere over the rainbow for this experience. Welcome back to the drive-in!

Drive-IN Movie Night in Tacoma
Source: Jim Culp // Flickr

What is old is now new again

Drive-in theaters debuted in the 1930s, and became the happening spot during the teenage wave of the 1950s. These open-air picture shows offered more flexibility than indoor theaters, and they remained a popular form of date night entertainment and family outings for decades! 1 Eventually, through the 1990s and onward, drive-ins started to disappear across American landscapes due to changing technology and increased property values.

But, there is one thing about drive-ins that hasn’t changed over the years: the simple joy that comes with snuggling up in the back of an old station wagon and letting Hollywood dazzle us with classic movies.

There’s something timeless and unchanging about the drive-in experience.

For me, it’s the memories. I remember spotting my first shooting star during an outdoor showing of “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” with my favorite aunt. I bet there are at least a handful of readers viewing this article who remember cramming as many people as possible into one vehicle to catch a glimpse of the newest summer blockbuster!

Maybe it’s the buttery smell of fresh popcorn or the fact that you have the power to control the volume… but there’s a memorable, comforting feeling about parking your car in just the right spot and being able to view a moving picture simultaneously with, yet separately from, the family parked next to you.

The comforting feeling that drive-ins offer has recently evolved from a nostalgic snuggly-blanket vibe to a slightly different type of “safe” feeling. These days, when we need to be mindful of how close we are standing next to each other, drive-ins are offering people the ability to enjoy spending time outside of their hobbit holes in a safe, somewhat controlled, socially distant environment!

A shared experience, but not too social.

All around the globe, people are embracing drive-ins in new and super cool ways! Whether it’s on the roof of a parking garage, floating on an inner tube in the ocean watching “Jaws” (I’ll pass on that one, by the way), or hosting a film festival in a classic open field, folks of all ages are rediscovering the wonder of watching a movie underneath the stars.

This lovely segment by the AWE-some folks at CBS Sunday Morning drives us to take a closer look at this new wave of open-theater trends.

Via: CBS Sunday Morning 2

‌Thank you, CBS Sunday Morning, for highlighting something that connects us in such a beautiful way! You can watch more of their content on their YouTube channel, or follow them on Facebook!

A flashback for the ages

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many of us to reevaluate what brings us joy, and how we can share it with others. Slowing down to enjoy something simple like watching a movie with loved ones can really make you appreciate the past, as well as the moment right in front of you.

Our grandparents likely spent some time at drive-ins in their heyday; I betcha there are some great stories there! Drive-ins have spanned multiple generations’ worth of good times, and now, with their recent resurgence, we can extend that warm, fuzzy feeling well beyond their expected expiration!

Resilience hasn’t taken the back seat.

When you’re feeling down about the current state of the world, let this small example of human resilience give you hope that humankind will always overcome tough times together, even if we’re parked 6 feet apart!

If you like the cinema and enjoy stories about how we’ve learned from the past to create a better future, nestle in with these articles!

The Largest, Most Viewed Paintings In the World That No One Knows About

What’s your favorite old movie? Chances are there’s one character that connects all of our beloved old films. They are always there, we just never noticed. Any guesses who it is?

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How We Predicted the Walk on the Moon, Cell Phones, and Siri!

For centuries now we have had a way of looking into—and even shaping—the future. But how is this possible? Well, some of our favorite movies and television shows are already giving us a glimpse into what life may look like in tomorrow’s tomorrow! Ready to take a peek?

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The Fascinating History Behind Some of Your Favorite Movies!

What do giant stag beetles have to do with Wallace & Gromit, King Kong, or The Nightmare Before Christmas? The answer is a surprising trip down memory lane to the wonderful land of stop motion animation! Trust us, you’ll want to hear this wild tale!

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How the Colorful World of Oz Changed Movies Forever

Reds and yellows and blues, oh my! Remember when Dorothy opened the door to Oz? We’re traveling back in time to discover an amazing innovation that has quite literally changed the world we see today!

Read Article Watch Video Listen to Podcast

Keep dreaming and notice the beauty around you!

~Renee

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Notes:

  1. Reid, Robin T. “The History of the Drive-In Movie Theater.” Smithsonian Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 May 2008, www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-history-of-the-drive-in-movie-theater-51331221/. Accessed 14 Oct. 2020.
  2. CBS Sunday Morning. “Now Showing: The Return of the Drive-In.” YouTube, 30 Aug. 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG8Dlne1jUc&feature=emb_title. Accessed 14 Oct. 2020.
Image: Renee Laroche-Rheaume

Renee Laroche-Rheaume

Outreach Coordinator & Writer

Renee is a graduate of FIDM, and has held jobs in several industries such as apparel manufacturing, retail, professional office work, and even hospitality. Her creative outlook, wide variety of experiences, and desire to notice the beauty around us make her a great addition to the Goodness Exchange team.

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