Party set to send off Globe’s 60-year-old drive-in
Sep 27, 2013, 1:23 PM | Updated: 1:23 pm
PHOENIX — It’s the end of an era Saturday night in Globe.
The city will say goodbye to Arizona’s remaining single screen drive-in movie theater.
The Apache Drive-in has been showing the Hollywood hits for 60 years. But recently, it’s been a struggle. Hollywood is switching from 35mm film to digital, and drive-in owner Bobby Hollis said there is not enough business to justify the cost of converting the drive-in’s projection system. He has decided to close.
Linda Gross of the Globe-Miami Times has been helping to organize the going-away party.
“We’ll be doing everything from big hair, you know the ’60s was all about rat-teasing your hair, to best rock star group or couple,” said Gross. “We’ve got fashion and fenders, so if you bring your classic car and your classy dame, you might win a prize.”
Winners will be determined by the volume of crowd’s honking horns.
There’s even a Wolfman Jack lookalike and soundalike contest. That’s appropriate, because the drive-in’s last movie will be the classic “American Graffiti,” which featured the Wolfman. It also starred Richard Dreyfus and Ron Howard. “It’s the most iconic drive-in movie of all time,” said Gross. “People have seen it a dozen times, and will still watch it and enjoy it.”
Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. Gross said that no one will be allowed in after 7:15; the movie will start at 7:30.
There’s room for about 200 cars. Gross said about 30 tickets remain. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.