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Drive-in movies begin this weekend

Transfomers, Hairspray, It and The Goonies among the films being screened at the Murillo Fairgrounds.

THUNDER BAY – This weekend, instead of Netflix and chill, local moviegoers can finally get their fix on the big screen.

At the same time, they can relive a nostalgic tradition from years gone by.

Boomer’s Drive-In, located at the spacious Murillo Fairgrounds, on Thursday night plans to kick off a summer schedule of second-run movies, shown on the 18-foot by 40-foot screen introduced last year to Thunder Bay Border Cats fans at Port Arthur Stadium.

“The movies are going to be what are called second-run movies, or older movies that have been released. It’s all about the nostalgia and having some fun. We’re not here to compete with SilverCity, that shows new movies,” said Tony DiPaolo, president of Grand Slam Sports and Entertainment, the company behind the pop-up drive-in experience.

It’s one of two in the city this summer, with Interstellar Outdoor Cinema also expected to launch this week at the corner of Highway 61 and Cloud Lake Road  in Neebing Township. The movies they'll be showing at Cloud 61 have yet to be released. 

Owner Darren McChristie said it was something they were planning to do long before COVID-19 became a factor, and something they'd like to continue for years to come on a more permanent basis as an economic driver in Neebing. 

"We'll be screening Thursday through Sunday. It'll be a soft launch this weekend," McChristie said. "We're hoping to offer one new release once per week, probably on the Friday night. Other nights it will be classic movies." 

In Murillo, opening weekend will also be a test run, DiPaolo said.

For the first set of showings, there won’t be concessions sold and the number of vehicles allowed on site will be limited to below the capacity of 400 they’ve settled on in a field that normally can hold up to 1,500 vehicles.

Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so anyone wanting a spot up from is advised to arrive early – but not too early – likely 30 to 45 minutes ahead of show time. Patrons are asked to remain in their vehicles at all times, with the exception of bathroom breaks, and will be able to listen to the movie by tuning into an FM station which will be provided upon entry to the fairgrounds.

“Four hundred cars could fit in here, but we’re probably not going to put that many in. It’s not going to be side-by-side, there’s going to be enough spacing so that if people do get out of their vehicles to use the bathroom they won’t be coming too close to other people,” DiPaolo said.

“It’s going to be a test, the first set of movies, to see what is comfortable and what we can handle – and also for viewing. We’re not looking to over fill it because ... we want to make sure the viewing is great for everybody.”

The drive-in can only be accessed from the Poleline Road entrance to the fairgrounds, and tickets must be purchased in advance online at www.boomersdrivein.ca. It's $20 per car.



Leith Dunick

About the Author: Leith Dunick

A proud Nova Scotian who has called Thunder Bay home since 2002, Leith is Dougall Media's director of news, but still likes to tell your stories too. Wants his Expos back and to see Neil Young at least one more time. Twitter: @LeithDunick
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