When was the last time that you went to a drive-in movie? Though they didn’t exist anymore? For many of us, they were everywhere when we were young, but are all but a memory now. There are just three left in BC, and one of them is here in the Okanagan. This summer, pick up your friends and family and head to Enderby to the Starlight Drive-In.
Like most of the Drive-In theatres in the country, the Starlight fell on hard times and closed in the last century. For years it was an abandoned site on the side of Highway 97, becoming an eyesore, a dumping ground and destined for demolition. Then, in 2002 two men (a lawyer and a movie buff) stumbled upon it and had the vision to restore it. With the help of friends they went in and started to clean up the equipment, discovering that the projector, which was rusting and sitting in a puddle, was from 1963. They immediately decided to restore the entire place to be an authentic 1963 drive-in theatre.
They got to work and re-opened the Starlight in less than two weeks, creating a movie mecca and 1960’s theme park all in one. They rebuilt counters and fences, painted, removed debris and shrubs and hung vintage posters. In a very short time, the Starlight became a go-to destination in the Okanagan for film lovers, date nights and family outings.
The Starlight is located less than an hour from Kelowna on a beautiful drive up Highway 97. They show movies every night all summer long (show times at http://www.starlightdrivein.ca/ or call the Showline: 250-838-6757) and have become a showcase for the emerging film industry in the Okanagan. In June the Starlight was chosen for the world premiere of “Blackway”, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, Ray Liotta, Julia Stiles, and Alexander Ludwig. Twelve hundred people packed into the Starlight for the showing.
While the theatre encompasses a 60’s ethos and makes the drive-in experience feel like a true journey to simpler times, they have embraced new technology. They have retained the original projector, but have purchased and use the most modern digital projection system available and show their movies on a 6,000 square foot screen. They host private parties and fundraising events and are a key part of the Enderby community.
A night at the Starlight is magical, and inexpensive. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for kids 4 to 12 and free for those 3 and under.
Choose a night this summer and take in movie at the Starlight Drive-In theatre! It will be a trip back in time and a wonderful night out.
