By: Zach Hill, Reporter
BELLEVUE, Neb.- Falconwood Park in Bellevue is the last place in the Metro where you can catch a drive-in movie.
According to driveinmovie.com, at their height in popularity, you could find around 40 drive-in movie theaters in Nebraska; since then, that number has dropped by almost 90%.
Owner of Falconwood and film lover Brandon Miller had never even had the experience of a drive-in himself, which is the exact reason he wanted to give more people the chance.
“If I have no opportunity to go see a movie at a drive-in unless I want to drive to far west Nebraska, I might as well just build one here ‘cause I know people really want it,” Miller said.
With a 50 foot screen and room for 200 cars, the 26 acre park brings an experience different from your ordinary theater encounter.
“Laugh with your friends, be loud, kiss your girl.” Miller said. “If they want to sit out in front of their car on chairs or blankets and watch it and hear it through the big sound system they can do that”
Also from driveinmovie.com, Richard Hollingshead, credited with opening the first drive-in theater in 1933, had the slogan:
“The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are.”
Nowadays, it may be hard to have a night on the town on a tight budget. Because of local sponsorships, this year the park has been able to offer this one of a kind experience free of charge. An experience Miller is proud to be able to offer to the community.
Before the movie, take a stroll around the park, check out the bar and concessions, or just relax with your friends, family, and even your canine companion. Park visitor Dana Brady came with her sister-in-law who invited her for a fun evening out.
“It’s awesome with the sun setting and the screen right there and everybody’s just kinda getting nice and comfy cozy right now so yeah, we’re just ready for the movie to start,” Brady said.
With Halloween lurking in the shadows, there’s no better time to catch a flick. Classics like Ghostbusters and Hocus Pocus are the perfect way to introduce you to an unparalleled event under the stars.
Along with the drive-in, Falconwood Park also hosts camping, weddings and even their own music festival.
