Over the course of this winter, I've had plenty of time to reflect on what's been happening in our world. It's been a tough, long winter for many people, some of whom have lost their jobs, and even their homes. People are cutting back and tightening their belt a notch in this time of fear and uncertainty.

One of the reasons I've been motivated to reopen the drive-in as early as possible this year, is that people need an escape, something to look forward to after a long day of work, where they can leave behind their problems and worries, without busting their wallet. The reopening of the drive-in also gives a strong signal that spring is officially here, and nicer weather is on the way.

In recognition of the tough economic times we are all facing, I have decided to temporarily reduce ticket prices at the drive-in for the months of March and April. Admission has been lowered to $7 for ages 12 and older, and $2 for ages 5 - 11. Children 4 and under remain free. Other cost-saving measures are being considered for the remainder of the season. We are all in this together, and we will see this dark time through to better times.

The drive-in still plans to break ground on a brand new concession stand this fall, to be completed by spring in 2010. (Stimulus! Stimulus!) Hopefully, everyone will remember to support the drive-in by making their food and beverage purchases at our reasonably priced concession stand.

Thanks again to everyone for your understanding and support, and I am looking forward to seeing all the familiar faces at the drive-in again, and hopefully a few new ones.

Sincerely,

Rick Cohen
Transit Drive-in owner

Grandview Drive-in screen demolished amid protests

The closing credits began rolling this week on the Grandview Drive-in, as property owner Ed Carbeck began demolishing the screen tower which had been an area landmark since 1950. The Grandview was a beautiful and unique place to spend an evening under the stars while watching the stars of the silver screen in images 60 feet tall.

The Grandview had been closed since the end of the 2005 summer, and did not reopen for another season in 2006, 2007, 0r 2008 due to a development proposal to build a new "Super" Wal-Mart on the site, despite the availability of many other vacant properties in the area. To tear down a rare and precious local attraction t0 build another obscene big box store is a travesty and an insult to the community. Due to the selfishness and greed of Edward Carbeck, this drive-in sat idle and rotting for three full years while Wal-Mart went though the process of "convincing" the Town of Evans to allow them to build on the site.

Edward Carbeck, Wal-Mart, and the public officials in the Town of Evans should all be ashamed of themselves for depriving their community the enjoyment of the Grandview Drive-in for the last three years, and for all the years going forward. And all for what? Another corporate mega-store that sucks the uniqueness out of a community.

A family oriented drive-in theatre is an asset to its community, somewhat like a public library or playground. When you take those things away, life becomes less enjoyable. What child is going to have fond memories as a grown-up of spending time at a Wal-Mart with his or her parents, siblings, and friends? The Grandview Drive-in will be missed by a great many people.

It would be sad to live in a world without drive-in theatres.

Rick

Grandview drive-in theater under demolition

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=56805953497&h=Uf0iz&u=WaS-K&ref=mf

I will blog more about this later tonight.

What's a Blog-in?

To me, the first day of March means that it's time to start getting serious about drive-in season. The countdown to opening day transforms from months into weeks, and then from weeks into days. My goal is always to reopen as soon as the weather makes it practical to do so, which means we need at least one week of temperatures in the 50s and the snow-pack has mostly disappeared.

So far, we're half of the way there, it just needs to get a little warmer first. Historically, we always seem to be able to get opened up by the last weekend in March, even though 2008's late spring arrival pushed the opening back to April 11, the latest opening in the 23 years in which I've been steering the ship.

Every new season brings with it a sense of anticipation, as the promise of warmer weather arrives along with all the exciting new movies. It never gets old, the thrill on opening night of bringing a timeless tradition back for another season, and facing the challenges of a changing world where technology provides entertainment to the public in so many different ways.

The 2009 drive-in season is only a few weeks away, and my ultimate goal is to make it a fun and memorable one. As the weeks go by, you can follow along with the drive-in on this blog-in, and hopefully we'll all learn something from each other, as we strive for a better drive-in experience for everyone.

Rick