Warwick Drive-In to open this weekend

The Warwick Drive-In, a popular destination for people who come from miles around to experience this classic form of entertainment, usually opens in late March.

However ,the prospect of reopening this spring, during the coronavirus pandemic and the New York State rule closing all theaters, was doubtful. But on May 11 Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the statewide reopening of drive-in movie theaters beginning Friday, May 15.

And so the Warwick Drive-In, which dates back to 1950 and is one of only about 330 still operating in the United States, will officially reopen this Friday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. and again this Saturday at 7 p.m.

“I’m very excited and very busy getting ready for this weekend,” said Beth Wilson, who owns the drive-in with her husband Ernest. “It’s a little crazy.”

She mentioned that the movie schedule will be posted on the theater’s website. New releases, however, are not slated to be released until mid-July. But there are recently released films they can show and it’s still a great way to safely enjoy an evening with the family away from the house.

In order to maintain safe distancing the drive-in will only allow half the usual number of cars. With three screens, that would still allow more than 500 cars.

The owners are also working on a new method to order from the snack-bar on your cell phone and then pick up the items without having to wait on line.

Wilson also confirmed that they are planning a virtual Warwick Valley High School graduation celebration on June 25 at 9 pm.

And on May 7 Dr. David Leach, superintendent of schools, also posted on the school’s website that this virtual celebration is currently being planned. But he emphasized that it is still the administration’s intention to host a regular graduation ceremony on the football field on Saturday, June 27, with a rain date of Sunday June 28. And if that is not possible, scheduling Friday, July 31, for graduation with a rain date of Saturday, Aug. 1.

The Warwick Drive-In, is located on Warwick Turnpike, right next to ShopRite.

For additional information and movie schedules, go to www.warwickdrivein.com.