 |
| If all appropriate permits can be obtained, as appears likely, a "pop-up" drive-in movie operation will be coming to District 1 as early as this week! |
There is a plan in the works by a very innovative local company to bring a "pop-up" drive-in movie theater to Escambia County's District 1 at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds.
Initially, the operator of the company bringing this idea will hold a couple of "soft-opening" nights this coming week, where some family-friendly fare will be shown on the 30-foot screen.
The first offering, tentatively planned for this Thursday evening (for invited guests only to beta-test the concept) will be the classic Tom Hanks film "Big."
Eventually, the plan is to have two screens up at the fairground, with a modest "per-car" charge for tickets.
The Key to this concept's success in this Pandemic-stricken environment---contact-less interaction.
According to operator/entrepreneur Mike Silver, who's company grew and ultimately graduated from the County Economic Development small business incubator "Co-Lab" on Garden Street--- "We want to do it in a manner where tickets can be purchased online or via an app--and scanned through a closed car window as the car enters the theater area." He continued "We will have offerings from one or more stand alone snack-bars that patrons can also purchase on an app---and runners on golf carts will deliver the snacks to the patrons' cars--and the movie's sound will come right through customers' car radios"
The fairground and its operators are excited about bringing this to our area, according to Mr. Silver.
I have written a letter of support, as one member of the Board and as the member who represents the fairground area of the county, for this idea and concept that Mr. Silver will receive this afternoon from my office aide Debbie Kenney.
This is entertainment that a family can enjoy, getting folks with "cabin fever" out of their homes and outdoors--where safe social distancing will be maintained--I think the idea is outstanding and that it will be very well-received by the residents and families of District 1!
