Northern Ontario travelling drive-in bringing back nostalgia
Drive-in theatres have been a thing of the past in northeastern Ontario, but Sudbury-based travelling company 'Horizon Drive-In' sees potential for the business to become an annual anticipated attraction in the region again.
Recently stopping in Timmins, owner Benjamin MacKenzie said when he operated his business as a COVID-friendly entertainment option, he feels he addressed an entertainment gap in the region, particularly during the pandemic while traditional movie theatres were closed.
"We’re kind of able to offer that outlet for friends to get together again, families to go out, people to kind of reconnect and enjoy entertainment safely," MacKenzie said.
And as COVID-19 restrictions loosen, he said more people have been looking to enjoy a form of entertainment that’s been missing in the northeast for some time.
Many people may not have been to a drive-in in years, MacKenzie said, and permanent drive-ins that operated have been long-closed.
That’s left a desire to enjoy a sense of nostalgia, he said.
"A lot of people who were kind of too scared to kind of come out of their houses before, last year, we’re seeing a lot of new people coming out," MacKenzie said. "Older demographics coming out, who were kind of playing it safe last year, who just wanted to come and kind of relive those nostalgic days."
And he sees an opportunity to bring back that feeling back every summer, as an event that communities can look forward to even after the pandemic ends.
Looking forward to establishing a new northern staple, he is continuing to travel around the region this summer, with more show dates coming in the fall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.