Nestled in the quaint town of Lehighton, just a few miles from the lovely tourist trap known as Jim Thorpe, is the Mahoning Drive-In. Once a booming industry, the drive-in has become a rarity, with only approximately three hundred or so still in operation. Those that are still open screen the latest Hollywood offerings, but not the Mahoning. This wonderful place operates on nostalgia, screening classic films in glorious 35mm! A wise tactic, as it sets them apart and makes each weekend an event. Just from conversing with other patrons I discovered people who have traveled from Maine and Massachusetts just to partake in the weekend’s activities, a John Carpenter marathon. No doubt they wouldn’t have made the long trek down to Pennsylvania to see a double feature of “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Jason Bourne” (an actual double feature at Bengies in Baltimore).
As I slowly pulled up to the drive-in Friday afternoon, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I was taken back to my childhood with every closing inch of my arrival. The screen, a towering behemoth, called to me as I drove closer. I was reminded of how, as a child, the drive-in seemed so magical. A gigantic screen that glistened under the stars welcoming guests in. Flashbacks to viewings of “Godzilla” and the “Jurassic Park” sequels play in my head as I’m given entry into the Mahoning. I arrive at six and snag front-row parking, though any spot would suffice. The screen is so large that even those camping in the far back get a terrific view.
That’s another unique quality the Mahoning Drive-In has: the overnight camping. Most drive-ins close shop after the screenings, directing traffic back into civilization. Not here at the Mahoning. Realizing customers are coming from all over, the owners off a ten dollar fee per night to camp on the grounds. Those in campers park in the red zones, while those who bring tents set up shop there, but are allowed to keep their cars parked in the front few rows. I myself don’t drive a camper and suck at pitching a tent (there’s a joke in there somewhere), so I inquired about the opportunity to simply sleep in the back of my car. The answer was an enthusiastic yes!
Those staying overnight get the added benefit of extra activities and reserved parking for Saturday evening if they plan on staying for both nights. One can spend all day camped in the drive-in or venture out into town and come back later. While one is left to their own devices during the day, activities such as a campfire and old radio serials are available after the screenings. All of this is available for the low price of twenty bucks (ten for admission, ten for camping).
Also a steal are the concessions. This is where a drive-in makes most of its money, so I was expecting moderately priced goods. On the contrary, everything is criminally cheap (not in quality, though). The most expensive item on the menu that I can recall was a cheeseburger for three-fifty, with everything else ranging from a dollar to two-fifty. I gorged one night on a corn dog, chicken fries, French fries, and a soda and only spent seven-fifty. What a deal!
The concessions stand isn’t host to just food and beverages, but a smorgasbord of film memorabilia! Film posters adorn the walls promoting past and upcoming features. Trinkets such as “X-Files” figurines and a Pac-Man board game are scattered throughout. An entire wall is filled with VHS tapes and records, all of which are available to purchase. A makeshift projection booth is setup next to the tapes, with films playing throughout the night on top of the main attractions. Some are complimentary to the weekend’s marathon, such as John Carpenter’s “Starman,” while others are randomly thrown in, such as the “Mad Max” rip-off “Driving Force.” The actual projection booth is visible to the naked eye, with my friend Sarah graciously being allowed to snap photos of it and regale in stories from the projectionist.
The concessions stand acts as a hubbub in between movies. People swarm to it not just for refreshments, but for conversation. There is a twenty minute intermission between each film, as well as a few minutes of classic trailers to set the mood. This is meant not only as a break, but an entryway to conversation. While most keep with their group, mingling between strangers isn’t uncommon. We’re all here for the same reason, the love of cinema and, most specifically this weekend, the admiration for one John Carpenter. It is not awkward in the slightest to start a conversation with a total stranger on the political commentary found in “They Live” or the rich atmosphere that envelops “The Fog.” After all, we’re all the same when the sun goes down and the movies play out before us. Are we truly strangers when almost all of us are wearing a John Carpenter inspired shirt?
It’s this welcoming feel of comradery and passion that fuels the Mahoning Drive-In. It’s not simply a night out, but an adventure. A love letter to cinema and the human spirit. A weekend that almost feels lifted straight out of the movies. Take for instance the screening of “The Fog.” A storm had been rolling in on Saturday evening, but not enough to cancel the festivities. Those who braved the night (and there were many) were treated to quite possibly the greatest filmgoing experience anyone could ask for! As the film played, the entire drive-in was engulfed in fog, just as the town of Antonio Bay was in the film. Rain trickled down onto the windshield, adding even more atmosphere to the proceedings. As I sat comfortably in my cozy vehicle, snacks at my side, I couldn’t help but sport a big, goofy grin. Life doesn’t get much better than this!
I left the Mahoning Drive-In wanting to immediately come back. It is only an hour and a half away from me, so it’s feasible. I know life will intervene and I most likely won’t be able to make it back out this season, but I’ll try valiantly to attend the Camp Blood marathon (screenings of classic campground slashers). If you’re able to make the trek out, I highly advise you do so. If you can’t, keep your eyes peeled on a developing documentary on the place.
If Heaven is real, I imagine it to be the Mahoning Drive-In!