Moviegoers view treasure hunt film in treasure cave
SULPHUR SPRINGS — Old Spanish Treasure Cave hosted a movie night event featuring the film “The Goonies” on Saturday. Tickets were sold out in less than a day, and the participants who viewed the movie enjoyed an immersive experience while watching a treasure hunt movie in a real treasure cave.
The Old Spanish Treasure Cave is a tourist attraction in Sulphur Springs. According to the Old Spanish Treasure Cave website, the cave’s guided tours take visitors back in time to experience the history “when a group of Spanish conquistadors hid their treasures deep within the cavern.”
These tours explore the inside “maze” of the cavern while educating visitors about the historical events that led up to the 1880s expeditions and onward. This cave is a historical site, and the owners continue to “conduct research” and explore its many “passageways,” looking for the treasure that allegedly was left behind.
Paul Linscott and his wife Tracy are the owners of the Old Spanish Treasure Cave. They host movie night events inside the cave. On Saturday, they featured the film “The Goonies.”
The theme of this movie night revolves around ‘80s and ‘90s films. The Linscott family chose “The Goonies” not only because it “brings a nostalgic” feel to the viewers, but it also gives them a unique experience.
“There’s nothing better to see than a treasure movie in a treasure cave,” Paul said.
“The Goonies” is a film about a ragtag group of teenage friends who search for the lost treasure of a legendary pirate known as “One-Eyed Willy.”
On their adventure, they find themselves confronted with booby traps and other dangers as the mystery unfolds. But never far behind is a group of criminals who seek to find the treasure as well. Between these two groups, the race is on to find the treasure.
“The Goonies” resurgence over the decades has turned it into a classic. Even now, it continues to be popular among fans as they pass it on to future generations.
“A lot of people remember these movies, and as they are getting a little bit older, they like
to share them with their families,” Paul said.
Many fans have traveled long distances to see the films at the Spanish Treasure Cave. Some have even traveled from out of state.
“The first time we showed it, we had some folks travel all the way from Astoria, Oregon, to come up here to see this movie … which was crazy but really cool.”
This is significant because “The Goonies” film takes place in Astoria, Oregon. It’s not uncommon for fans to be inspired by the film. Some seek out their own adventures and have traveled to Astoria just to see the house in which the film’s events take place.
For Paul, the movie is special to him too.
“I remember, as a young man, watching it and it just always kind of stuck with me as far as the excitement of finding treasure in a cave. It’s just a fun movie.”
Initially, the idea for a cave movie night came from a surprise date Paul threw for his wife Tracy.
“I wanted to do something a little different. So I grabbed one of her favorite movies and set up a screen, and we just watched it,” said Paul Linscott. “And we started talking about it and thought, ‘Well, other people would like to do that.’”
Since then, the Old Spanish Treasure Cave has been hosting a variety of movie nights even though setting up the equipment for these movie nights isn’t easy.
“We have to carry all that stuff, all the speakers, all the electronics, mixers — all that!”
This is difficult because the cave is a “maze cavern that has passageways and rooms leading everywhere.”
Even though it takes effort to set up the film projection, the equipment and the sound system, Paul feels it’s worth it because of the unique setting of the cave.
By combining the highquality sound system, the natural acoustics from the cave, and the beautiful caverns carved by nature, moviegoers will be sure to have an experience like no other movie theater they’ve attended.
Add to that, the Old Spanish Treasure Cave boasts its prices are “affordable” and “it’s a family-friendly” environment. They also have a concession stand for viewers to buy snacks.
For those who missed “The Goonies” movie viewing, the Old Spanish Treasure Cave is getting ready to feature more movies this coming season, especially around Halloween. They will post the films’ times and dates on social media and on their Facebook page.
Visitors who attend these movie showings will be able to take in the history and natural beauty of the cave and, all the while, rekindle the love they had for the films they grew up enjoying.