Drive-in ready for the “big six-oh”
by Jim & Megan Kopp, Owners
Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre
The Triangle area’s only remaining drive-in theatre and North Carolina’s oldest operating drive-in theatre turns 60 years old this coming Wednesday, July 15, 2009.
To celebrate its “60 years of magical movie moments under the stars”, a big anniversary event will be held at the theatre on Saturday, July 18, 2009 starting at 5:30 p.m. Events will include a ceremony marking the anniversary with keynote remarks from local leader James “Pete” O’Geary, Mayor of Henderson, state leader Michael Wray, NC House of Representatives, and national leader representative Betty Jo Shepard, representing Sen. Richard Burr’s office, who will read a proclamation and present a flag flown over the U.S. Capital to the theatre.
In addition, patrons will hear stories and tales from current and previous owners. Stories will also be told by patrons of the theatre, and music will by played by a live band named “KILLER-FILLER”.
During the celebration, you can chomp down on ribs and chicken from Texas Roadhouse of Wake Forest. Children will be entertained by BOHO THE CLOWN, who will bring his bounce house and train and CRAFTS ON WHEELS, which will have crafts for all age children.
Classic cars will be in attendance with three classic car clubs (TIMELESS CRUIZERS of Efland, NC, TAR RIVER CRUIZERS of Henderson, NC, and SUFFOLK RODS & MUSCLE CARS from Suffolk, VA) participating. In addition, at least one historic and original CORBITT TRUCK, which was assembled in Henderson will be present.
Theatre patrons will also enjoy a trivia contest with prizes and eat pieces of the theatre’s anniversary cake and home-made ice cream. Fireworks will erupt at dusk, followed by the big movie blockbuster: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince on the theatre’s large 60’ by 80’ screen.
On Friday, July 17, 2009 the theatre will be filmed by The Travel Channel for an upcoming show entitled “AMERICA’S #1 HIGHWAY from MAINE TO FLORIDA” which will highlight landmarks from the original US 1.
The Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre is located at 3336 Raleigh Road, (Business US 1) in Henderson, North Carolina. The theatre website is: www.raleighroaddrivein.com. The theatre movie line is 252.438.6959.
Looks like a great night except for one thing. Chief Sidwell should be speaking instead of O’Geary.
Comment by Interesting — July 13, 2009 @ 7:26 am
He was invited but declined to attend. Will you be there? Why should sidwell speak and not the mayor? I may or may not agree with his views on poiltics but I do respect him as our elected mayor. I’m looking forward to his comments.
Comment by Drivein staff — July 13, 2009 @ 6:26 pm
No, I will not be there. O’Geary is Sam Watkins’ elected Mayor – don’t forget that, and I for one do not wish to hear him. I hear enough on the Council video.
I do wish you well with your night. It is a wonderful thing to bring back an outdoor theatre. I have to say – I was there a time or two during my high school days! We will come over the summer for sure.
Good luck!
Comment by Interesting — July 13, 2009 @ 6:55 pm
I have a picture of my mother and previous owner’s when she worked there.
Comment by Tbird — July 13, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
We would love to see it. Can you email it or bring it over to the drive in?
Comment by Drivein staff — July 14, 2009 @ 12:09 am
#5. What are your hours there? I live out of town now but drive in to Henderson once a week.
Comment by Tbird — July 14, 2009 @ 12:09 pm
Love to come out for family fun…DON’T love the bathroom situation. It is better now with the porta pots but still no fun to wait in long lines for the bathroom. Kids have to go ALOT!
Comment by Pack fan — July 14, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
Jim, it looks like we are going to have 4 Corbitt’s there for the event. I wish I could say that I will be there but I’m going to be out of town. My truck will be there though. I hope you have a great time.
Comment by Charles E. Powell — July 14, 2009 @ 9:23 pm
I understand your dislike of the bathroom situtation. We brought in the port a pottys only to have the ladies say thanks but no thanks. We can’t add new bathrooms just yet. Maybe someday..
Comment by Drivein staff — July 15, 2009 @ 2:16 am
Tbird
We open 7 days a week @ 7:30pm. Stop by one night if you can. Thanks!
Comment by Drivein staff — July 15, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
Trust me, when ya gotta go ya gotta go! porta potties will be used by women if they gotta go bad enough!!
Comment by Pack fan — July 15, 2009 @ 12:11 pm
Drivein Staff: won’t be in Henderson again till next week sometime but brought the picture back with me this afternoon. I will scan it either this evening or tomorrow and send it to you. There are five people in the picture, along with my mom, but she only wrote the names of four on the back. There was no date included.
Comment by Tbird — July 15, 2009 @ 6:58 pm
Thank you. Look forward to seeing it.
Also, I too thought the ladies would love not standing
in the lines but I have seen it with my own eyes. They will wait in a 20 minute line vs. Using a port a potty. I wouldn’t have believed it had I not seen it myself.
Comment by Drivein staff — July 16, 2009 @ 12:31 am
#13. There’s just something about using a port-a-potty for us ladies…. Of course, if ya gotta go bad enough, any potty will do!!! LOL!
Comment by Tbird — July 16, 2009 @ 12:57 am