Drive-in returns to T’ville

By GINA KINSLOW
Glasgow Daily Times

TOMPKINSVILLE June 06, 2008 04:40 pm

— Drive-in movie theaters were in their heyday in the 1950s, but their popularity began to fade when indoor cinemas began springing up nationwide.
Skyview Drive-In in Monroe County was among the drive-ins were in operation in the 1950s. It has recently reopened under new management.
Jonathan Burns, who is leasing the business from its original owners, became interested in drive-in movie theaters after working at one for four years in Sparta, Tenn., and decided he wanted to operate one of his own.
“It’s just the total experience of the outdoors and the drive-in theater and a full family experience,” he said.
Burns took over the business in December and since then he has remodeled the concession stand, brought the projector equipment up to date and gave the drive-in a new spit shine look.
According to Driveinmovie.com, there are 17 drive-in movie theaters still in operation in Kentucky, and Burns said they are making a come back.
“Basically, it’s the family environment,” he said.
Aside from Skyview in Tompkinsville, cities that still have drive-in movie theaters in operation are: Beaver Dam, Booneville, Calvert City, Corbin, Franklin, Hardsinburg, Henderson, Jeremiah, Lexington, Louisville, Mt. Sterling, Paris, Radcliff, Somerset, Stanford, Stanton and Winchester.
Drive-in movie theaters offer families an inexpensive form of entertainment.
Skyview is open from April to October and shows recent releases.
On July 4 and Labor Day, Burns is planning to show four movies each night.

TO KNOW - Where: Tompkinsville, 1500 Celina Road
When: Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Movies start at 8:15 p.m.
How Much: $6 adults; $3 ages 6-12; free ages 5-under.