The Magic of the Drive-In

It's a rare sight, anymore. A wide expanse of trampled grass and gravel, dotted with a grid of short posts, each topped with ancient sound equipment. In the brightness of day, it is a desolate place. You would almost think the small buildings were to be boarded up and condemned. As the sun wends it's way toward the west, however, one's attention is drawn toward the front gate. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="Photos by David Tribby Photography"][/caption] Yes, Virginia, there really is a drive-in. There are so few left, but this one in my hometown is one of the best in the country. It's not just going to the movies when you go to a drive-in. It's an event. People line up their cars hours before the gates even open. No one minds at all. The cars are all in park, everyone gets out and visits with one another. Kids bring frizbees, footballs, and all kinds of toys to play with. When the gates do open, everyone slowly cruises through the ticket booth and pays their $8 per person for a double feature. As people choose their spaces and tie down their hatchbacks, the visiting and playing resumes. And now, the concession stand opens. Not just a concession stand, though, as it's actually more like a restaurant, and far cheaper than the cinema. When the sun is finally down and it is dark enough to start the projector, this is the most lively, packed, and festive events in the county. [caption id="attachment_491" align="alignnone" width="450" caption="Photo from 49erDriveIn.com"][/caption] If you have a drive-in accessible in your area, I encourage you to patronize it. These local wonders deserve to keep their place in our culture, rather than continue to close down at such an alarming rate. It's not entirely about the films themselves. It's just a wonderful experience all around! EDIT: If you like the top two photos, I HIGHLY encourage you to visit David Tribby Photography on Flickr. His work is outstanding, and there are options to purchase prints of his fantastic images.