LAUREN BELANGER | guest writer

What you see now is a desolate parking lot, but in the ‘50s, the West Campus Annex was the Foothill Drive-in on the famous Route 66. It, along with the thousands of other drive-ins in the 1950s, was a thriving business and hot hang-out spot for people of all ages.

By the ‘80s, drive-in movie theaters had become almost extinct.

“It’s a unique experience. Our generation is trying to go back to family,” senior business administration major and ASB president Phil Brazell said.

Growing up, kids in this generation have no idea what a drive-in movie is. They don’t have the pleasure of chatting with friends in the back of a pick-up truck, eating junk food and watching a huge screen in the distance.

“I’ve always wanted to go. I think they’re adorable,” freshmen communication studies major Lauren Lee said.

Recently our generation has begun to explore drive-in movie theaters to get away from the crowds and the norm. Young people have started flocking to them for Friday night getaways.

What is it about a drive-in theater that is so appealing to today’s generation? In their peak days, outdoor theaters had much more to offer than just a movie.

They would offer early dinners to buy before the show. Some drive-ins became so large that while the film was rolling, they offered miniature trains, pony rides, and even talent shows to keep everyone of all ages entertained.

Even though most of these attractions are no longer offered at the drive-in, the good thing about the free atmosphere is that you can bring your own fun.

“It’s easier to sit in a car with friends and be silly and fun than to be in a movie theater where they would kick you out [for that],” freshmen political science Kathryn Gleason said.

Most people bring food from home and have picnics, but you can also bring barbecues and have your own tailgate party right at the theater.

You can chat and play games without disturbing others like in a ‘conventional theater’.

There is no need to plan an expensive night out on the town, just have a great night for one low price all in one place.

“Everybody likes to go back to an old generation,” junior business administration major Anthony Logan said. “People are trying to experience a little bit of change.”

Taking all of the fun and excitement the drive-in theater has to offer, I guess you could say that when APU took over the Foothill Drive-in, “they paved paradise to put up a parking lot.”