TOMPKINSVILLE — Drive-in movie theaters were in their heyday in the 1950s, but their popularity began to fade when indoor cinemas began springing up nationwide.
Skyview Drive-In in Monroe County was among the drive-ins were in operation in the 1950s. It has recently reopened under new management.
Jonathan Burns, who is leasing the business from its original owners, became interested in drive-in movie theaters after working at one for four years in Sparta, Tenn., and decided he wanted to operate one of his own.
“It’s just the total experience of the outdoors and the drive-in theater and a full family experience,” he said.
Burns took over the business in December and since then he has remodeled the concession stand, brought the projector equipment up to date and gave the drive-in a new spit shine look.
According to Driveinmovie.com, there are 17 drive-in movie theaters still in operation in Kentucky, and Burns said they are making a come back.
“Basically, it’s the family environment,” he said.
Aside from Skyview in Tompkinsville, cities that still have drive-in movie theaters in operation are: Beaver Dam, Booneville, Calvert City, Corbin, Franklin, Hardsinburg, Henderson, Jeremiah, Lexington, Louisville, Mt. Sterling, Paris, Radcliff, Somerset, Stanford, Stanton and Winchester.
Drive-in movie theaters offer families an inexpensive form of entertainment.
Skyview is open from April to October and shows recent releases.
On July 4 and Labor Day, Burns is planning to show four movies each night.
TO KNOW - Where: Tompkinsville, 1500 Celina Road
When: Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Movies start at 8:15 p.m.
How Much: $6 adults; $3 ages 6-12; free ages 5-under.
Local News
Drive-in returns to T’ville
Theater is open from April to October
- Local News
-
-
UPDATE 3:05 p.m.: Fatal wreck on Burkesville Road
A Summer Shade man was identified as the driver in a fatal crash on Burkesville Road early Saturday morning.
-
Jail staff challenges Ober’s report
A long list of allegations made by a private investigator against the Barren County Detention Center is being challenged by a majority of the jail employees, who say they have not witnessed anything illicit.
-
BBBS honors volunteers Bell, Click
There’s no doubt about it. Tamara Click and Price Bell love spending time with their “little sister and little brother.”
-
Magistrates defend decision
Almost a month after a private investigator presented his summary report about the Barren County Detention Center and nearly five months since the initial vote for an investigation, the members of the Barren County Fiscal Court are standing by their decisions.
-
Park, students form partnership
Barren County Middle School and officials from Mammoth Cave National Park (MCNP) began a partnership in 2009 through a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, according to a district news release.
-
Cemetery dedication planned Sunday
On Sunday, a dedication ceremony culminating efforts of several concerned citizens who restored the cemetery will take place at 2 p.m. at the D.F. West Cemetery on Ky. 70 near Hiseville.
-
No swimming allowed at lake for Memorial Day
Don’t visit Barren River Lake this Memorial Day weekend and expect to go swimming.
- 2:10 AFTERNOON UPDATE: Hart Co. man arrested for trafficking
- 9:03 a.m. Morning Update: Glasgow firefighters and Barren-Metcalfe EMS respond to wreck with injuries
-
Late Night Update: Investigation continues regarding injured teen
Very little is known about the circumstances surrounding a 15-year-old Barren County boy who was found seriously injured and lying in a ditch alongside his bicycle on Dripping Springs Road late Monday night.
- More Local News Headlines
-
UPDATE 3:05 p.m.: Fatal wreck on Burkesville Road
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
