Drive-in movies in Turlock? Organizers plan to start showing them soon
More chances to get out and see a movie are coming to the region, this time at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.
Dubbed “Get In, Sit Tight, It’s Movie-Night,” organizers have set a tentative date to begin showing drive-in movies on Thursday, Aug. 20, or Friday, Aug. 21, according to a press release from Adrenna Alkhas, marketing and communication director for the fairgrounds in Turlock.
The State Theatre in Modesto also has held drive-in movie nights since the ongoing coronavirus pandemic shut down indoor theaters.
The fair is working with Ed Yonan, owner of Turlock’s The Grand Oak Banquet Hall, to oversee the opening.
“We are working to find a way to bring a little bit of entertainment to our community during the continued shutdown and social distancing protocols,” Matt Cranford, CEO of the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, said in the release. “The Grand Oak, a continued partner of the Fairgrounds, has created a plan that will do just that now and in the future.”
The drive-in movies are expected to play weekly, Thursdays through Sundays, beginning at sundown. Gates will be open two hours earlier for guests to park. The hope is to hold the drive-in nights as long as weather permits.
Yonan said in the release that there will be food for purchase from the Grand Oak menu, including tri-tip sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken strips, french fries, popcorn, a candy bar, beverages and more.
“We are working on an app for guests to order food from their car,” he said. “Once the food order is in, we will text them when it is ready for pick up.”
Ticket prices and the film line-up are still being determined. Information will be available on the event Instagram page, go_drive_in_turlock, Yonan said in an email.
About 300 cars will be able to fit in the fairgrounds north parking lot, with social distancing in place, according to the release.
Guests will enter the Grand Oak Banquet Hall parking lot from Soderquist Road and staff will direct cars where to park.
This story was originally published August 14, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
