Drive-in returns to Dover-Foxcroft
DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Center Theatre and Piscataquis County Ice Arena announced that they are continuing the popular drive-in program started in 2020 as a reaction to the COVID pandemic They are planning some changes for the 2021 season, including viewer’s choice movies and seating areas for chairs, blankets, beanbags, etc. The schedule has also been streamlined for the summer with one public movie in June and two each in July, August and September.
For the first time, the drive-in is asking patrons to help pick the movies. They are offering three ‘Viewer’s Choice” movies and voting is open for the first movie on June 25. By voting for the Viewer’s Choice movie you can also enter in a contest in which you might win a free ticket to the movie and the chance to have your own private movie party at the drive-in.
“The movie that gets the most votes by June 11th will be shown on the 25th,” said Matt Spooner, operations director for the Piscataquis County Ice Arena. “One lucky person who voted for that movie will be chosen as that movie’s ‘Ambassador’. The Ambassador will win a free ticket for the movie, but they should encourage as many friends as possible to also buy tickets. The Ambassador whose movie has the most ticket sales of the three Viewer’s Choice movies will win a free private drive-in movie party.”
The private drive-in parties is another new offering for 2021. “For the first time we’re offering private drive-in parties for individuals, businesses, groups and organizations,” said Spooner. “You’ll be able to rent the drive-in to watch a movie of your choice on DVD or Blu-Ray including concessions provided by the PCIA. It would be a great thank-you to your employees or potentially the best party you’ve ever hosted.”
Anyone interested in renting the drive-in should contact Spooner at the ice arena or by email at spooner.pcia@gmail.com.
Another big change for 2021 is the creation of space for folks to set up chairs, blankets, air mattresses or even couches. Spooner said they wanted to be able to accomodate more people and let people get creative, “The only thing we ask is that folks don’t set up tents that might block the view of the people behind them.”
Spaces are for sale for six people at $20 or 12 people for $30. Of course you can also stay in your car for the drive in, but Spooner said that when you purchase a drive-in space it will also come with more room if you want to spread out a little bit in front or behind your vehicle.
For the full drive-in schedule, viewer’s choice voting or to purchase tickets visit the Center THeatre’s website at www.centertheatre.org or call the Theatre box office at 207-564-8943 .
The mission of the Center Theatre is to make arts, education and entertainment accessible to our rural communities to engage and inspire. The Piscataquis County Ice Arena provides an environment where the people within our county, and beyond, can coexist and prosper in physical health, foster personal connections and improve overall mental well being.