Save The Laurel Drive-In

The first movie that I ever remember seeing on the big screen was at the Laurel Drive-In in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.  My dad took me to see The Karate Kid Part II, and I've been back there many times in the years since.  This poster was hanging in the snack bar when went tonight to see The Conjuring and Pacific Rim last night, and it's leading me to believe that this place might not be around for very much longer.

The movie industry is discontinuing the use of 35mm film after this season, so theaters that don't use a digital projector are in danger of closing.  According to the poster, the necessary upgrades cost $75,000 which is completely out of reach for a small town drive in theater like ours.  Thankfully, Honda has swooped in to save the day by donating five digital projectors to five lucky drive-in theaters.  You can vote for the Laurel Drive-In to receive one of these projectors by visiting ProjectDriveIn.com/vote_35.