Film

Midway Drive-In Makeover in Progress

Two more Midway benefits go on this weekend.

During the first week of July, Mark Sherman, owner of Letters, Signs and Specialties in Fulton, was supposed to bring back the newly restored neon-lit portion of the Midway Drive-In marquee to the theater. The July 8 tornado that wiped out the Minetto venue’s 40-by-80-foot wood screen delayed those plans, however, until ozoner owner John Nagelschmidt started piecing together a comeback strategy. Thanks to fundraisers from T-shirt sales and other contributions, construction of the drive-in’s new steel screen is on the horizon.

On Saturday, Aug. 16, the Midway sign finally left Sherman’s shop and headed back home to the drive-in. Sherman often kept the sign’s neon lights on at night in his display windows, which reminded passers-by of the 66-year-old theater’s ongoing plight.

Midway Drive-In

Tthe Midway sign finally left Sherman’s shop and headed back home to the drive-in. Photo by Bill DeLapp

While the sign itself is heavier than it looks (Sherman conservatively guesstimates a weight of 800 pounds), getting it all snazzy again with new paint and trim was a top priority for the shop owner. After all, he lives just a mile away from the theater and has been attending Nagelschmidt’s attractions for many years, so it’s his work that initially greets patrons.

Midway Drive-InTwo more Midway benefits go on this weekend. A T-shirt sale takes place Saturday, Aug. 23, 2 to 5 p.m., at the theater. The concession stand will also be open for business.

On Sunday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a “Cruze-In” for automotive admirers at the theater encourages attendance amid the classy chassis crowd, with music, raffles and concession food rounding out the day. General admission is $5, while show car exhibitors are charged $10, and vendors pay a $25 fee. Visit midwaydrivein.com for details.

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