Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

The staff at the 56 Auto Drive In Theater located 2 miles south of Massena have been busy readying for the 2008 season. This year marks 53 years of continuous operation and it is the last operating outdoor theater the St. Lawrence County, which at one time had boasted seven such venues. It was built by Peter Papayanakos during the height of the seaway construction and opened on July 22nd, 1955. It’s current operators, Jeff Szot & Bernadette Jenkins are looking forward to a great season of family entertainment, enjoyed under the stars. May’s line up includes the major releases Iron Man and the new Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

The 56 Auto Drive In’s Grand Reopening is slated for Friday, April 25th with two great blockbusters- “Dr. Suess’s: Horton Hears a Who” and “21”. Every night is a double feature where patrons can get to see 2 current release films for 1 low admission price. The gates open at 7:30 and the first feature starts at dusk, as soon as it’s dark enough to get a good image on the screen. This week it’s about 8:15 and the second feature follows after a brief intermission. Showings are Friday, Saturday and Sunday until mid June when the schools break for summer recess, then it’s 7 nights a week right through Labor Day. Show information can be obtained by calling the theater at 315 764-1250 or online at:

http://www.jscinemas.com/56auto.html.

 Adding to the fun is a visit to the snack bar, which offers all the old drive in favorites including hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn and perennial favorite- fried dough. Always looking to improve the experience, Ms Jenkins, who supervises the concession, is currently putting together a birthday party package and arranging to bring in some new items like ice cream cones. “We’re always looking to find something new and exciting to treat our patrons to. It’s really rewarding to see all the people having a great time, whether it’s a family sharing some quality time together, young couples out on a date or a group of friends getting together!”

Mr. Szot states “This summer promises to be a great time with a large number of major films being released by all the distributors. We’re planning special events and giveaways to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the opening of the first drive-in in Camden, NJ on June 6th. Also in the works are a classic car night and other special events that will be sure to please everyone!”