Since 1967, families have been heading to Sussex to take in a film.
The Sussex Drive-In has been around for 58 years. It is one of only three remaining drive-in theatres in New Brunswick.
“It’s gone from the old reels to the new digital technology. So it’s definitely advanced in many stages. From the old speakers that were hung on the cars to broadcasting on 90.5 FM now. So it’s definitely gone through leaps and bounds over the last 58 years,” Co-owner Don Monahan says.
He says he has heard from a lot of first-timers at the drive-in or those who haven’t been in a very long time.
“It’s a family experience. We’re always playing the newest and latest movies, similar to Cineplex, and we open a lot of the brand new movies right here at the Sussex Drive-In, and the great benefit is that there’s definitely lots of space. A lot of people come early and they walk their dogs in the green space, or they throw the frisbee, or play baseball, or other activities,” Monahan adds.
There’s room at the drive-in for over 400 vehicles per night.
If you’ve never been to a drive-in before, Monahan offered a few tips that many may not have thought about before.
“You need a functioning FM radio. Believe it or not, we’ve had to turn people away who don’t have a functioning radio. Make sure you always keep that battery topped up, because you need to listen to the drive in through your radio. We actually do a sponsorship with CAA. So one of our ads, and we just display before the movies, is reminding people to keep the batteries charged up from time to time, so that at the end of the show, you don’t need a tow,” Monahan says.
“Lastly, make sure you keep your headlights covered up on the front of the vehicle. So a lot of these new vehicles, for some reason, even if you throw the parking brake on, the headlights or the daytime running lights still stay on. Some people take a piece of clothing or tape cardboard to their headlights, so they don’t interfere with the viewing of other patrons.”
If you’re wondering the best spots to park to see the screen, Monahan says there really isn’t a bad place to park, but people do have their favourites.
“The screen is so gigantic, and it’s about 80 feet high and measures about 53 feet wide. Optimally, the favourite is always dead centre, backed by the canteen. That is going to be the best viewing at the drive-in. So there are a lot of people who always line up early to make sure they get the best spot.”
