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Paul Lindquist & Brian Smith photos
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Paul Lindquist & Brian Smith photos
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Paul Lindquist & Brian Smith photos
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Paul Lindquist & Brian Smith photos
By Gord & Dot - Photos by Paul Lindquist and Brian Smith
We drove up the sweeping driveway and down to the box office booth at about 7pm and found only a half dozen cars in front of us. The Projectionist, Paul Lindquist, always said to come early but we still wondered how attendance would be on this sunny, late July evening, during the Okanagan’s peak summer season with tourists & locals having lots of activities to choose from.
As we drove on to find our spot, we soon found out we weren't the only early birds. The upper level was almost full (the Starlight has a 3 level “balcony”), a couple of big RV's full of kids were unpacking and those who needed the front row had staked their claim. We parked just up from the concession stand - four young lovers on our left, a big pickup full of teenage boys on our right and the RV's full of little kids behind. It’s just what you would expect from one of the last truly family-oriented, film-going experiences - the Drive-In Theatre. We got out and took a walk around hoping to run into Paul, the Comox native whose passion for film, nostalgia and charm of old theaters led him (along with business partners Brian Smith & Randy Noonan) to resurrect one of only a few Drive-In Theatres left in Western Canada. We spotted Paul across the lot directing traffic and finding the proper parking spot for a group in a camper. There's room for everyone here no matter what you're driving and sitting out in front with blankets and lawn chairs is not only allowed but encouraged. The place was filling up fast, people were playing Frisbee up front and the boys next door were tossing a football. The RV people, out in their lawn chairs, where chatting with a large group of out-of-towners. There was a great sense of community.
Down in front of us, a very young couple got out of the back seat of their parents' car and headed to the concession stand. As they walked by, we noticed they were having some trouble trying to figure out what to do with their arms. The young boy had his folded tightly on his chest while the girl kept her's moving up and down like some kind of exercise move. It wasn't long before the kids returned, no problem with arms this time - they were full of popcorn and drinks. As they got to their car, the parents were unpacking the chairs and blankets. A little horseplay inside and our young couple found their arms around each other for a brief moment and, to each other's delight, it seemed to be OK. Well, wouldn't you know, not long after the group got settled, another trip to the concession stand. As they approached our truck, each one dropped down a hand and while looking straight ahead, found each other's and contact! As they walked by, their faces were filled with that kind of nervous delight and with pride. Yup, they're on a date, it's official.
Both the movies were great fun and it's amazing what these guys have done. The picture quality is the best you will see anywhere on a big screen. It is not just going to a movie, it is way more than that, it is a destination, a North Okanagan experience not to be missed.
Thanks for the memories.
Getting There
For those who haven’t been, the Starlight Drive In Theatre is located 3km south of Enderby, BC on highway 97A, in the heart of the North Okanagan. The Starlight Drive In will open in May for its 14th summer of providing a fun and safe family environment for movie fans, with the best viewing experience possible, all while maintaining the unique memories and traditions of movie goers from days gone by. It. boasts the largest movie screen in North America at 6,000 Square Feet & the owners pride themselves on offering the lowest theatre concession prices in BC. Website: www.starlightdrivein.ca
The Riverside RV Park is only 6km away, nestled on the banks of the lovely Shuswap River, with the Enderby Cliffs soaring overhead. http://www.enderbycamping.com/
The town of Enderby is located centrally, approximately 500 km (300 miles) from Calgary, AB, Vancouver, BC, and Spokane & Seattle, WA. http://www.enderby.com/