Old-fashioned drive-in movie set for Aug. 10

Monday, July 29, 2013

McCOOK, Nebraska -- For the first time in more than 30 years, the people of McCook and the surrounding region will have an opportunity to view a drive-in movie from the comfort of their cars, pickups and SUVs.

The special outdoor showing will take place Saturday, Aug. 10, on the south side of the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. A large, inflatable screen -- 10 yards tall and 15 yards wide -- will be set up south of the grandstands for the showing of "Space Jam," starring Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny, and "Footloose," the 1980s classic starring Kevin Bacon.

Everyone -- from far and near -- is welcome to pile into their vehicles and come to the show. The cost is a free will donation, with the proceeds going to the McCook Optimists to support the club's sponsorship of youth activities.

Entry gates will be set up on the south side of the fairgrounds near the West M Street and Westridge Parkway intersection. Vehicles with show watchers are encouraged to come early to take their places in advance of the showing of "Space Jam" at 8:45 p.m. "This is just slightly before sundown, but it will still be dark enough for the show to start," said Gavin Harsh, the event organizer. The showing of "Footloose" will follow, with the starting time estimated to be between 10:45 and 11 p.m.

Harsh, a 2013 graduate of McCook High School, came up with the idea for a drive-in movie as a way of saying thanks to the people of Southwest Nebraska. The idea quickly caught on, with Gavin receiving encouragement and financial support from the Optimist Club and McCook business people. Members of Gavin's 2011-12 Southwest Nebraska Leadership Institute class have been meeting regularly for several months to help with the details of bringing the event to McCook. Gavin gave a special tribute of appreciation to Linda Maiden, Brad Osterhaus, Nate Henning, Travis Rouselle and Tim Garcia as well as the Red Willow County Fairboard..

"McCook's businesses stepped forward, just as they have done so many times," he said. Joining Gavin and the Optimists to bring the drive-in movie experience to McCook are Walmart Super Center, Great Plains Communications, McCook National Bank, Community Hospital, Plains Equipment Group and Wagner Ford-Toyota and Wagner Chevrolet-Buick.

In order to obtain a screen for the showing in McCook, Gavin made arrangements with Fun Flicks, a firm which specializes in outdoor showings throughout the United States. A trip of 11 hours will be required to transport the outdoor screen from Dallas to McCook.

"Arranging the show has been both fun and gratifying," Gavin said. "We're hoping for a large turnout. The show watchers can either sit in their vehicles with their friends and families, or they can bring their blankets and chairs and watch from a picnic area near the screen."

Long-time residents of the McCook area remember the Bison Drive-In Theater, which opened in the late 1940s and remained in operation until the early 1980s, making it more than three decades since the last drive-in movie was shown.

For younger people, the Aug. 10 drive-in showing will be a new experience. For older citizens, it will be a night of nostalgia. "I invite all to join us for the evening," Gavin said. "It will be an affordable evening and a rare and special experience."

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  • Gavin is a good kid. Nice idea!

    -- Posted by dennis on Mon, Jul 29, 2013, at 3:15 PM
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