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Fresh Air Films

Photo by Dan Eggert.

The line of cars on Highway 42 outside the Skyway Drive-In began to form while the sun still sat high in the sky. The smell of fresh popcorn wafted above the tall screen as tickets were exchanged and blankets were unfolded. The parking lot doubled as an open seating area and cars lined between the audio posts as they prepared for the anticipated Dark Knight Rises. Some opened their trunks to lie on mounds of blankets and pillows while others set up lawn chairs and games as if it was a tailgate to a football game.

The double feature started at about 8:50, but the time fluctuates depending on the sunset. With an outdoor theater, half of the excitement is in the outdoor atmosphere, a unique experience for most theatergoers. Yet no matter the time, folks prepared by tuning their radio stations and settling in as the sun dimmed and screen lit up with endearing old-style commercials reminiscent of a time where drive in movie theaters were a prevalent part of the theater industry.

The drive-in theater provides a unique viewing experience for something that is generally static in a person’s nightly plans – a trip to the movies. Though the occasional car alarm or mosquito can momentarily distract a person, the cool night air and idea of being wrapped in blankets on top of a car trumps all of the cons. The excitement and intensity that was Dark Knight Rises was accented with the true atmosphere of a night at the movies, making the experience an event rather than just something to do.

Each night the Skyway Drive-In offers a double feature, which reaches well into the darkness of a late night. For those looking to stay for that extended theater experience, I would suggest bringing one more blanket. Yet the movie gets better as the sky gets darker so do not forget to take a minute between scenes to look up to the open sky and appreciate a truly unique aspect of a movie theater experience.

Skyway Drive-In is located at 3457 Highway 42 between Fish Creek and Ephraim. For more information call 920.854.9938 or visit http://www.doorcountydrivein.com.