ARCADIA — Rose City Drive In owner Paul Cole said the 39-year “intermission” between movies is coming to an end.
The outdoor movie theater, which hosted its last films in 1985, will hold a “soft opening” April 5-7. The drive-in is at 5418 Route 31, just west of Newark.
Cole, a business owner from Newark, said he can’t wait to get rolling for the historic revival of a long-forgotten outdoor theater.
“It is both amazing and exhausting to look back on the investment and hard work by so many people in the last year preparing for the big reopening, but that moment when the first movie hits the screen will be so rewarding,” Cole said. “We are hoping for smiles with many happy returns.”
Rose City features the original 100-by-45-foot screen Cole restored, along with a new concession stand, restrooms, a contemporary digital projection system, and other amenities.
The outdoor theater originally opened July 19, 1956, with James Stewart in “The Man from Laramie” and Jane Russell in “Hot Blood.” Its last showing 39 years ago included the original “Ghostbusters.”
Thus, it’s befitting that “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (PG-13)” is the featured attraction for the three nights of single features, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and the film starting at 7:30. The movie features the return of “Ghostbusters” stars Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd.
Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 5-12.
The Rose City events continue beyond the first weekend of movies at the restored outdoor theater: Cole is opening up the drive-in on Monday for what he believes is the ideal place to watch the solar eclipse.
For $25 per carload, attendees get solar eclipse glasses and musical entertainment by the band Plunger. Vendors will be on site and concessions will be available, along with on-screen viewing of the eclipse as well.
“We provide a safe, off-the-road location to enjoy the eclipse just out of the village and away from the ambient street lights,” Cole said.
He said there will be a regular schedule coming that will expand as summer arrives and school lets out. An official grand opening will be announced for an upcoming future date, he noted.
Other special events, concerts and flea markets also will be held at Rose City, Cole said.
More information and ticket sales are available at rosecitydrivein.com or follow on their Facebook page @RoseCityDriveIn.
