WESTFIELD – From home-cooked meals to family drives, everything old is new again during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the revival of the drive-in theater.
Westfield once boasted two drive-ins, and while there is not a new one opening, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield is bringing the drive-in back for three nights this summer. On June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15, the Club will host free drive-in movie nights for families. The first movie will be “The Secret Life of Pets 2.”
Club Chief Advancement Officer Bo Sullivan said Jay Pagluica of Gaslight Entertainment approached Club Director Bill Parks about hosting a drive-in event.
“They started talking and it stemmed from that,” Sullivan said.
The Club is renting the equipment, including a 40-foot screen and FM audio system. Sullivan said participants can listen to the movie through their car’s FM radio.
Sullivan said the Club is partnering with Gaslight Entertainment, Westfield On Weekends, the City of Westfield’s City Hall, School Department, Police Department and Department of Public Works to host the event.
“We will still be following social distancing guidelines and anyone who exits their car has to sit adjacent to their vehicle,” Sullivan said.
There will be a restroom available for families and Sullivan said there will also be snacks for a nominal fee.
“We will have Club staff going around selling hot dogs, bottled water and popcorn,” he said.
Cars will enter from South Broad Street and park behind the Club in the Westfield Middle School field. Sullivan said they have limited spaces and registration is required.
“For at least the first movie we are limiting it to 200 cars, then we will see how it goes,” he said. “Registration is required by calling or emailing the Club.”
Sullivan said he looks forward to the event, which he said is definitely nostalgic.
“It’s something fun for families that the city could get involved with and it may bring back memories for some people,” he said.
Reservations can be made by calling 413-562-2301 or email [email protected]. Any schedule changes will be posted at bgcwestfield,org.
