The Family Drive-In in Stephens City is hoping it can continue showing movies for generations to come, but its future is in limbo. The drive-in’s management posted on Facebook last month that the family that owns the property had listed it for sale for $1.5 million.
“Unfortunately, at $1.5 million, the drive-in simply could not continue to exist as the monthly expense on the mortgage would be 3X the current rent and the business would immediately begin to lose thousands of dollars a month,” management posted.
After the Facebook post, the drive-in updated followers that, “What happened next was the floodgates opening wide in support of the drive in staying a drive in. Everything from regular customers to small businesses to artists and musicians asking how they can help save this wonderful piece of history.”
Currently, a donation site has 185 supporters and has raised more than $19,000. The site says that all funds collected will go toward helping Ron Graham, the current manager, purchase the land to preserve it as a drive-in theatre.
The drive-in is also selling merchandise to help raise funds. Supporters can purchase a hat and T-shirts. So far, sales have raised around $870. And a September 1 Facebook post says management plans “to have some benefit concerts, art shows, garage sales, and just about anything else we can come up with to make this a reality.”
The Family Drive-In — one of the last drive-in movie theaters in Virginia — opened in 1956. It is one of only six drive-in theaters in Virginia, according to The Winchester Star. Until a sale of the property happens, The Family Drive-In will continue regular operations, showing movies Friday through Sunday.
Feature image courtesy Family Drive-In
