Calling folks of all ages! Grab some popcorn, maybe a soda pop, and enjoy a film at Metro Vancouver’s only drive-in theatre for the last time ever this upcoming summer. On Feb 9, Langely’s Twilight Drive-In announced that this will be its last season of operation. According to the Twilight Drive-In’s Facebook page, increasing rental costs and property taxes have made the business unsustainable.
Loved for its 1950s retro feel — complete with throwback concession animations that bring your hot dogs and popcorn to life — Twilight lets you channel your inner Sandy Olsson and call your used Toyota Corolla Greased Lightnin’ for a few hours. Just don’t end up wallowing at the drive-in like Danny!
The Fraser Valley’s first drive-in theatre was the Surrey Drive-In, which was opened in June of 1951 by Sid Moskaluke and Bill Bonnar. The location was shut down 52 years later in 2003. Two years later, Jay Daulat opened the Twilight Drive-In in September 2005. Drive-ins are a popular summer activity, and part of our broader commuter culture. Who doesn’t want to watch a film under the stars? The Twilight Drive-In has invited people from all over the Fraser Valley to come and create memories with their families, friends, and pets (courtesy of their pet-friendly policy).
I took the opportunity to visit the drive-in and was able to ask some movie-goers about their thoughts and feelings on the local landmark’s final season.
“It’s sad…this is something that is historical and it shouldn’t ever be gotten rid of,” said Jayden, who has been coming to the drive-in for three years now.
Amanda, a woman with two young children, was disappointed that the drive-in wouldn’t be a part of her kids’ future. “It’s going to be something they’re going to miss out on, so I wanted to make sure they came once before it’s all gone. It’s sad.”
“It’s a nice event that we like coming out to,” said Logan, another repeat patron. “It will be something that we’ll definitely miss. We’re from the South Surrey area, so we do the drive out here and make a whole night out of it, and we will miss that.”
I completely agree. Personally, I’ll miss the aura of the drive-in the most — watching the sun set behind the screen, breathing in chilled summer night air as I get comfy in my seat. Not to mention the throw-on outfits! The drive-in is the perfect place to wear my crocs and mismatched socks. I think I might speak for many when I say that the drive-in will always feel like home.
Veronica is a Staff Writer at The Cascade. She loves to travel and explore new places, no
matter how big or small. She is in her second year at UFV, pursuing the study of Creative
Writing.
