Drive-in theatre provides a summertime distraction

Summer weather is here and that means drive-in movie theatres are starting to open up.

The Jubilee Drive-In Theatre in Manitou Beach is open during the summertime. It has been around since 1955.

Theatre manager Tara Hayden says the drive-in has a special appeal.

“It is such a unique experience because you are so comfortable just like you’re at home, except for I get to make the popcorn for you,” she said.

“You can wear your pyjamas, you can bring your dog, you can bring your screaming baby, you can bring your cellphone.”

Drive-ins have slowly been replaced by indoor theatres, but Hayden doesn’t think her theatre will be going anywhere soon.

“I don’t think you’re going to see any new (drive-ins), but I think that the existing ones will keep playing as long as they can,” she said.

She says her drive-in makes the most of its long history to bring in customers.

“We don’t do a whole pile of advertising, but our facility has been there for so long that people just know where we are,” she said.

Hayden doesn’t think Manitou Beach’s remote location is a problem, mostly because of the theatre’s long-lasting legacy.

The Jubilee Drive-In Theatre is set to open June 6.