Drive-in draws crowds back to the big screens

Before the ticket booths had opened at Can-View Drive-In on Sunday night, there was a long line of cars filled with people eagerly waiting to claim their viewing spots.

“Right before they closed, we were here every weekend, so we had to continue what we were doing,” said Alex Cleary.

Moviegoers dressed up in costumes, put together elaborate setups to make their experience more comfortable and settled in for a night of frightening movies.

Throughout the evening, visitors watched “Halloween Ends” and “Prey for the Devil” at Screen 1, or “Smile” and “Scream” (2022) on Screen 2.

“They’re reopening, and I’m very happy about it,” said Imaani Johnston, who’s glad to see things going back to how they were at the theatre.

The drive-in, now under ownership of Premier Theatres, which owns several other drive-in theatres across Ontario, used Halloween weekend to bring people back to the big screens in a limited capacity.

“This is mainly to function as a test opening and a show of good faith to our customers that the theatre is back,” wrote the company in a Facebook post.

People who attended said they’re excited to see a beloved feature in the community under new ownership.

“I think it’s nice to have (new ownership) and know that we have that, and know we can do this in the future,” said Branda Scepppacerqua. “Because we didn’t really know. It was for sale for a very long time.”

Brian Allen, owner of Premier Theatres, said he’s excited to have the screens in Niagara, and is glad to help share the unique experience of the drive-in theatre with more people.

“The movies are a big part of the theatre, but in terms of the experience … the drive-ins are a special sort of authentic thing that really sort of stands the test of time,” he said. “There’s a camaraderie among customers. (There’s something) very magical about it.”

Screens at Can-View Drive-In are expected to fully open at the end of March. The owners said they intend to “add major changes over the next year,” which will be announced in the future.

Can-View Drive-In is at 1956 Highway 20, east of Highway 406 in south Thorold. Additional information can be found at .

BRILEE SEARS TORSTAR Many people did whatever they could to get comfortable for the movie at the reopening of the Can-View Drive-In on the weekend, including putting tents and air mattresses in the back of truck beds, as this moviegoer did Sunday.