By China Cassidy In the early 1930’s, drive-in movie theaters hit the scene and became one of the most common forms of weekend entertainment. Teens would load the trunks of their cars full of their friends in hopes of sneaking them in to avoid paying additional charges. Couples spent their date nights snuggled up inside their vehicles while listening to the movie through their car speakers on the local radio station and enjoying snacks from the concessions stand. But, by the late 80’s, the drive-in movie industry was considered to have peaked and most were eventually replaced by indoor cinemas. In the recent months, there has been a behind-the-scenes effort by the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce to help residents relive some of that nostalgia. With most theaters, gyms, waterparks and any other type of entertainment shut down indefinitely, Holbrook Chamber of Commerce Director Cindy Tafoya explained that the chamber is looking to bring back a form of entertainment that everyone can enjoy. Tafoya stated that in one of the communities she lived in previously, they hosted movie nights in the park where they would also invite food trucks and play old movies and she thought it would be something the citizens of Holbrook would enjoy as well, but the funding wasn’t available last year when the discussing began. Due to the executive order prohibiting large gatherings, the canceling some of the city events left the chamber with extra funds to pursue their goal and afforded the opportunity to buy some of the equipment needed to host a drive-in movie experience. “We used (funds) to purchase the screen and the projector so that we can incorporate that into other events, or have it as an event by itself,” offered Tafoya. Although the original drive in experience allowed for movie goers to tune into the movie on their local radio stations for audio, Tafoya was not sure the chamber could afford the air time or that the local radio station could afford to donate it but that option remains to be explored. The chamber is currently working out the legal details as far as what can and can’t be done considering the COVID-19 restrictions and entertainment licensing but it’s also looking for members of the community who may have suggestions of their own. “We are open to ideas right now. We’re not shooting anything down,” offered Tafoya. Still needed is a platform for the newly purchased 20-foot screen, which Tafoya suggested could be a large flatbed trailer to prop the screen up. A resident has offered his property as a potential location for the theater but it is uncertain if the venue can accommodate the event and if not, what type of venue would work best considering the restrictions. Access to electricity, water and restrooms also have to be considered. Tafoya said that because the chamber is a non-profit, it would not be able to charge, which leaves it dependent on donations to fund the rest of the event for things like a venue and bathrooms, if needed. Anyone with ideas or wanting to assist the chamber in making the drive-in experience happen, can contact Tafoya at (928) 524-6558 or email holbrookazchamber1@gmail.com.
