Rain and wind may have blown away the first Drive-In Movies on The Hill night at the Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds last Friday evening (June 17), but it couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those in attendance.
More than 130 movie goers were set up in cars, the back of pickup trucks and on lawn chairs in a light rain and wind when the night’s film ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ began at about 9:15 p.m. About 10 minutes into the showing, the evening went from a ‘chick flick’ night to an interactive action experience, when the large inflatable screen was blow away by a strong gust of wind.
Although it was a brief evening at the drive-in, those in attendance were extremely positive about the experience, with multiple posts on Facebook encouraging organizers to not give up on the idea.
“Everybody was in such fantastic humour – they were all so happy to be out and thought it was such a cool event,” said Erin Dawson, of the Vankleek Hill Business and Merchant Association (BMA), which organized the Movies on the Hill night at the fairgrounds. “Even when the screen blew over they were still in a great mood.”
“People in this town are so, so kind. I can’t even express into words how wonderful people in Vankleek Hill are.”
While the film may have finished early, vendors set up on the site had a very good evening Dawson said, with food and chocolate sales exceeding expectations.
The BMA is looking at a number of options to reschedule the ‘chick flick’ night. There are two more Movies on the Hill drive-in nights scheduled this summer at the Vankleek and the BMA is looking to reschedule last Friday’s film either with one of those nights or on a separate evening. A Kids Night drive-in is scheduled for July 22 and an Action Night on August 12.
Left to right: Rebecca Spuehler, Laura Gut and Bianca Charlebois set up their truck bed as a cozy spot to watch the drive-in movie at the Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds last Friday evening. Many attendees set up in the back of pickup trucks on on lawn chairs for the night’s viewing. Photo: Reid Masson
Vendors had a great night, with everyone in a great mood at the movies. Photo: Facebook
