Aerial perspective of Sussex Drive-in (Submitted)
The Sussex Drive-In, one of the first drive-ins in the country to host screenings and outdoor live events in 2020, kicks off a new season of screenings and live entertainment this weekend.
“We’ve definitely gained a lot of important experience over the past few years, so we’ve got a lot of protocols in place that allow us to increase our efficiencies and right now we’re on track to meeting our goals,” says owner Don Monahan.
Monahan adds people are still skeptical about closed interior spaces, and the venue caters to that clientele.
“Where we’re geographically located serves the three largest markets in southern New Brunswick, so I think we’re posed very well to have a great summer this year given the fact that there’s a lot of new content that is being released,” he said.
With theatres slowly opening back up in the U.S., film studios are finally releasing movies that were delayed until theatrical releases were more feasible. The Sussex Drive-In had to rely on showing classic movies, such as ET and Jaws in the early months of last year’s season – the first new film it was able to screen was the Russell Crowe revenge-thriller Unhinged, which was released in August 2020.
Sussex Drive-in screen (Submitted)
“Originally going into this year, I was contemplating the idea of maybe opening only opening one night a weekend until we had more new content that was readily available,” he said. “If that was going to be the case, I was going to force my clientele to make a choice and go only one night on the weekend, which would have been Saturday night.”
The drive-in’s opening films on May 14-15 are Felix and The Treasure of Morgaa and Wrath of Man, starring Jason Statham. Future screenings include Godzilla vs Kong, Mortal Kombat and Cruella.
On long weekends, Sussex Drive-In will host a triple bill of screenings and once school is out for the summer, they will also open on Sundays and offer Cheap Night Tuesdays. Its canteen of concessions is fully operational, enforced with a unidirectional flow of traffic with social distancing, where people can get treats from popcorn to poutine.
Monahan said Sussex Drive-In will continue to show 30-second ads for local businesses, taking the place of trailers, before the screenings – examples include Tours New Brunswick’s Staycations, The Shake Shed Freddy and Pizza Delight.
“We have that captive audience and it’s all about encouraging everyone that’s in the community and supporting local,” he said. “Everyone’s struggling and trying to find new ways to enhance and promote and extend their business – so what better way to do it than on the big screen?”
The drive-in also has a packed schedule of live events and entertainment, with Monahan’s goal being to turn the drive-in into a central entertainment hub for the Sussex area.
Author Beth Powning has a book launch on May 29 and musicians James Mullinger and Jimmy Flynn are booked to perform on June 5 and July 3, respectively, with other artists in talks to perform throughout the season.
The drive-in is also hosting its first antique car show on May 22, along with an antique tractor show on June 26.
Based on feedback, Monahan estimates 25 per cent of last year’s clientele were newcomers to the drive-in.
“Folks were looking for things to do last year, there weren’t a lot of outdoor activities so [the drive-in] was definitely driving a new awareness, a new mindset – and we want to continue that as well,” he said.
He adds the drive-in, which has been in operation since 1967, is part of southern New Brunswick’s annual outdoor traditions, and that they will continue to enhance its infrastructure.
“We’re playing all the new movies, there’s no reason why you need to go to a movie theater in Saint John or Fredericton,” he said. “It is less expensive to come here, we play two shows versus the price of one and you get to experience outdoors and watch a movie under the stars – what better way to take in a movie during the summertime?”
Anyone interested in attending a screening at the Sussex Drive-In can check out its Facebook page for screening times, prices and rules.
