Load up the Minivan and Take the Family to a Drive-In Movie

Last weekend, I posted a story on our Facebook page about the Verne Drive-in in Luverne, Minnesota opening for the season and I was absolutely stunned when some Facebook friends said they didn't even realize there were still drive-in theaters.

I felt it was my civic duty to inform the tri-state area that, yes, there are still drive-in theaters still operating, albeit, very few in our area. As a matter of fact, only one within a quick drive from Sioux Falls.

The first movie on the big screen I ever saw was at the Fort Randall Drive-in Theater in Lake Andes, South Dakota. I remember seeing a few "Apple Dumpling Gang" movies and also "Grease." Mom would pop a brown paper grocery bag full of popcorn and fill quart jars full of Kool-Aid and that would be our snack at the drive-in. Going to the drive-in movie was one of the best memories I have as a child and it should become one with your family, too.

There were several drive-in movie theaters in South Dakota at one time. I remember the Hilltop Drive-in in Gregory, the Starlite Drive-in in Mitchell and the Pix Drive-in and the Winner Drive-in in Winner. My uncle's house overlooked the Pix Drive-in and when we'd stay overnight, we could see - and barely hear - the feature film. Boy, did my cousins and I think that was cool!

Unfortunately, according to my research, there are no operating drive-in theaters in South Dakota anymore.

Why did all of these theaters close? Although each operation probably had their own reason for closing, one of the main reasons was movie studios discontinuing the distribution of 35-millimeter film prints and converting to digital. The expense of converting was just too expensive for these small town drive-ins, forcing them to close.

One drive-in movie theater that made the switch was the Verne Drive-in in Luverne, Minnesota and it is now open for the season.

This weekend's movies (May 8 and 9, 2015) at the Verne Drive-in are "Avengers: Age of Ultron" and "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2." Gates open at 7:00 PM and the movie starts at dusk.

Remember, the concession stand will be open with some tasty, reasonably priced munchies like cheddar cheese balls, chicken strips and fries, nachos, pretzels, pizza, ice cream and of course, popcorn!

Never been to the Verne Drive-in? Just drive south on Highway 75, 4/10 of a mile. The Verne Drive-in is on the east side of the road.

Gather the family and head east a few miles and spend some quality time together watching a movie.