NEWS AND ARTICLES

Outdoor movie
York Dispatch
09-08-08

Wellsville Elementary School will host its first outdoor movie fundraiser Saturday and everyone is invited to attend, said Tammy Gross, spokeswoman for the Wellsville Elementary PTO, the organization that will host the outdoor movie event.

Though the movie is free to attend, the organization will be accepting donations and selling concessions, including fresh popped popcorn, cold drinks and hot chocolate. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Wellsville Elementary PTO.

Concessions open at 7 p.m., and the movie is scheduled to start at 8 p.m.

The feature presentation will be the Walt Disney picture, "The Game Plan," rated PG, starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson who plays an NFL quarterback living the dream lifestyle who suddenly discovers he has a 7-year-old daughter.

The movie will be shown on the Turkey Hill Screen, a new inflatable movie screen managed by USA Theatres. Sound will be broadcast through a portable PA system, provided by Menchey Music Service. Spectators can also bring a hand held radio and tune into an FM radio frequency to hear the movie.

Wellsville Elementary is located at 1060 Zeigler Road, in Wellsville. For information, visit www.usatheaters.com.

Family Event Will Feature Drive-In Movies

By Rick Hiduk
Hempfield Township-Mountville Merchandiser

Mountville Youth Athletic Association (MYAA) invites the public to Froelich Park on West Main Street in Mountville this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 1 and 2, to enjoy some old-fashioned treats. Although the event is called Froelich Family Fun Night, there are actually two nights that MYAA supporters can enjoy a drive-in movie with lots of extras.

Concession stands will open at 7 p.m. on Friday evening, selling hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, popcorn, funnel cakes, cotton candy, and ice cream before and during the showing of "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" and "Bee Movie" at dusk.

The order of the movies will be reversed for Saturday night's event. In addition to concessions, which will begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, patrons can enjoy a number of games and attractions geared toward families.

Key organizers of Froelich Family Fun Night include MYAA members Frank Bennawit, Sharon Kline, Daneen Winfield, Dawn Kirchner, Steve Vigunas, and Rob Finch.

Bennawit read about a similar event that was taking place in Hershey and thought the idea might appeal to residents of Columbia and Mountville who miss the drive-in theater that once operated on Columbia Pike between the two boroughs.

According to Sharon Kline and Daneen Winfield, an inflatable moon bounce castle and obstacle course, a striker game, and a mobile haunted house will be among the attractions available only on Saturday.

"We're going to put our football coaches in the dunk tank," added Bennawit, noting that MYAA football practice will begin the following week.

The films will be shown in their entirety on a large, inflated screen that will be erected along the back side of Froelich Park. Patron should use the west entrance of the park to gain access to the drive-in area.

"National Treasure: Book of Secrets" is the sequel to the 2004 adventure film "National Treasure." An all-star cast includes Nicolas Cage, Justin Bartha, Diane Kruger, Jon Voight, Helen Mirren, Ed Harris, and Harvey Keitel. The storyline revolves around an encrypted diary and treasure map.

"Bee Movie" is a computer generated animated film featuring the voices and characterizations of Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, Megan Mullaly, John Goodman, Chris Rock, Kathy Bates, and Patrick Warburton. Seinfeld co-wrote and co-produced "Bee Movie," which dwells on a young honey bee's quest for freedom and his unexpected friendship with a human being, portrayed by Zellweger. The movie was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.

Proceeds from the drive-in event will help MYAA to fund football, cheerleading, baseball, softball, and basketball programs for area youths. Interested readers may call Bennawit at 684-7013 for more information.

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL VISITS FRIENDSHIP DRIVE-IN THEATRE

Phone Home, Free Reese's Pieces And Outdoor Movie In Dover Township

Dover, PA - Friendship Community Church and USA Theatres, a company based in Hershey, PA that promotes drive-in and outdoor theatres in Central Pennsylvania, proudly presents the exciting film, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (Restored), this weekend in Dover Township. 

"The movie has been completely restored on a high-density optical disc," said Wes Dunn, a major investor and organizer for USA Theatres.

E.T., the winner of three academy awards, will be shown on the Turkey Hill Screen, a new inflatable outdoor movie screen that measures 40' high by 48' wide.  Sound will be transmitted into people's car stereos or hand-held radios.  "There will also be a portable PA system set-up in front of the screen for people to hear the movie," said Dunn.

"Admission is free," said Ronald M. Vastola, Outreach Coordinator of USA Theatres.  "Any one who plans on attending this event will receive a free bag of Reese's Pieces, courtesy of The Hershey Company."

"We are excited about hosting the E.T. in a drive-in format," said Pastor Dennis Hall, Senior Pastor of Friendship Community Church.  "It is great use of our campus and a gift for the York County community."

The portable drive-in theatre will show the movie on Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21 at the ball field of Friendship Community Church, 3380 Fox Run Road, Dover.  The ball field opens at 7:00 p.m., and the show starts at 9:00 p.m., both days.  Concessions will be available for purchase.  For details, visit www.usatheatres.com

Mobile drive-in theater debuts

By CHRIS SHOLLY
Staff Writer
Lebanon Daily News

The drive-in movie theater, a thing of the past in central Pennsylvania, is making a comeback this summer.

And Hershey will be the center of this renaissance.

USATheatres, a Hershey-based company, has created the Hershey Drive-In Theatre, which is offering free, family-friendly films under the stars at several venues this summer. The Hershey Drive-In Theatre does not own a piece of land with a permanent building and speaker poles scattered throughout a parking lot like the drive-ins of yesteryear.

Instead, USATheatres is promoting the mobile drive-in. Everything in the operation is portable, including a huge screen provided by Turkey Hill Minit Markets, a projection booth on wheels and a concession stand in a trailer.

Three sites in the Hershey area will host outdoor movies this summer: Shank Park in Derry Township, Hershey Conewago Campground and Meadows Park along Route 39.

When set up, the Turkey Hill Screen has an image area of 20 feet high by 36 feet wide.

“The new, portable outdoor movie screen will be named the Turkey Hill Screen,” Erin Dimitriou Smith, a Turkey Hill spokeswoman, said in a news release. “The Hershey Drive-In Theatre contacted us with this idea and we thought it would be a great way for families to see movies with no admission fee charged.”

Ronald M. Vastola, marketing director and outreach coordinator for USATheatres, said faith-based and family-oriented movies will be presented.

The new drive-in had itspremier last weekend at Shank Park with a showing of the animated film “Madagascar.”

The movies will begin at dusk each Friday and Saturday evening.

“People can hear the movie from a 300-watt portable PA system, provided by Menchey Music Service,” said Wes Dunn, a major investor and organizer for USATheatres.

“An FM stereo transmitter will transmit the sound directly to car stereos or hand-held radios. We will be utilizing state-of-the-art technology, including a 5,500-lumen digital projector, showcasing high-definition motion pictures.”

The feature this weekend will be “The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep” at Hershey Conewago Campground. Gates will open at 7 p.m., weather permitting.

Following are show times and locations in the Hershey area:

• Shank Park, Bullfrog Valley Road: July 11, 12; Aug. 8, 9.

• Hershey Conewago Campground, 1590 Hershey Road: June 13, 14, 27, 28; July 25, 26; Aug. 15, 16.

• Meadows Park, Hanshue Road, off Route 39, two miles north of Hersheypark Drive: July 18, 19.

FREE MOVIES
Mobile drive-in theater brings films to you

Thursday, June 05, 2008
BY KIRA L. SCHLECHTER
Of The Patriot-News

You can always go to a drive-in movie for that one-of-a-kind outdoor film experience, but USA Theatres brings the drive-in to you.

And it's free.

The company's Hershey Drive-In Theatre will show the Chris Rock/David Schwimmer animated film "Madagascar" Friday and Saturday evening at Shank Park in Derry Twp. Other films will be shown there and at other locations in Hershey, Ephrata and Dover on weekends throughout the summer.

"I think people will find a way to come out because admission is free," Ron Vastola, marketing director and outreach coordinator for the Hershey-based company, said in a phone interview.

"I think it's nice for families that can't necessarily afford it, especially with the price of gas," he added.

Vastola is the former president of the York Drive-In Theatre, a mobile drive-in that operated at the York Expo Center in 2006 and 2007 and drew about 1,500 people during its run.

He said he wanted to bring the mobile drive-in to Hershey even before the stints at the fairgrounds, and he's hoping to attract even more moviegoers to those locations.

Vastola and a former partner developed the idea. They visited drive-ins throughout the East Coast and saw that attendance at the theaters was high, but that buying land and building a drive-in would be prohibitively expensive.

"So I said wouldn't it be neat if we could somehow make this portable and be able to go to venues and not have to commit to [buying the land]," he said.

And everything really is portable -- from the screen (provided by Turkey Hill Minit Markets) to the 20-foot-by-8-foot wheeled projection booth that houses all the equipment to a concession trailer (for venues that don't already have concessions).

Everything's also free, Vastola said.

"Our services are free of charge to all these venues," he said. "We do commercial exhibitions [and charge a fee for them], but these particular events we consider community services and outreaches."

All the films are family-friendly (none exceed a PG-13 rating), and each venue chooses what will be shown from a list Vastola provides. All also are what he calls "faith-based," or, "a film with a good message, a moral."

"People see we're at churches, and they think this is a Christian drive-in with Christian movies, and that's really not the case," he said. "We do the opposite -- we show a secular movie that's family-friendly, faith-based and morally driven."

The drive-in also will visit Clearview Elementary School in Hanover for a fundraiser in September.

Outdoor movies return, with Turkey Hill's help

CHRISTINA KAUFFMAN The York Dispatch
Article Last Updated: 06/02/2008 10:47:00 AM EDT

Turkey Hill Minit Markets and Turkey Hill Dairy have partnered with a nonprofit portable drive-in movie company to hold a series of free movies in York County and other areas of south-central Pennsylvania.

The Lancaster-based chain of Pennsylvania convenience stores purchased a 40-foot-high by 48-foot-wide screen, dubbed the Turkey Hill Screen, for families to watch movies with no admission fee, said spokeswoman Erin Dimitriou Smith.

"We felt that it was a really great opportunity for the community," she said. "These days with gas prices the way they are ... this is a really good way for families to spend time together, and it's free."

Turkey Hill also is donating ice cream, iced tea and other concessions so movie organizers can sell them to keep the screen on the road, she said.

Friendship Community Church, 3380 Fox Run Road in Dover, will host the four York County screenings, said Ronald M. Vastola, marketing director of USA Theatres, the Hershey-based company that's providing the movies.

Vastola, from Hershey, showed movies on an inflatable screen at the York Expo Center for two seasons ending last fall. The screen to be used in Dover will also be inflatable, but it's about 10 feet taller, he said.

A transmitter will send the sound to car stereos or hand-held radios.

Vastola said it was a challenge to be able to offer the movies free, but the concessions and souvenirs being sold should cover the cost of setting up the screen, including movie royalties.

"The main purpose is a family-friendly atmosphere, movies for everyone," he said. "If they think they can't afford to go out to the movies, they can. It's free."

June and August shows: The Dover shows will be June 20 and 21 and Aug. 29 and 30. Movies always start at dusk, between 8:30 and 9 p.m., he said.

Vastola said he isn't sure which movies will be shown, but there will be nothing above a PG-13 rating.

"And we're really looking for something with a message," he said.

The pastor of the church will decide on the titles, which could include "Horton Hears a Who!" or one of the movies from the "Chronicles of Narnia" series, Vastola said.

The Turkey Hill Screen is scheduled to premiere on Friday at Shank Park in Derry Township. Other stops will be made in Hershey, Hummelstown and Ephrata in June through October.

Vastola said he is also in negotiations to bring the movies back to the fairgrounds. The drive-in shut down last September when Vastola said he wanted to use mobile movie screen as a nonprofit venture.

Drive-in theater to hit the road
Free movies will be shown on portable screen this summer

Intelligencer Journal
Published: Jun 03, 2008

With summer approaching, friends and families will be looking to fill their leisure time with inexpensive, fun activities.

Turkey Hill Minit Markets and its sister company, Turkey Hill Dairy, have partnered to provide just that to people in south-central Pennsylvania.

The companies recently became the sponsor of a new portable outdoor movie screen that will be set up for weekend screenings in the region beginning Friday.

The screenings will be presented by Hershey Drive-In Theatre, a portable drive-in and outdoor movie theater operating in southcentral Pennsylvania.

The movie screen will be named the Turkey Hill Screen, said Erin Dimitriou, Turkey Hill Minit Markets advertising and public relations manager.

The events should fit into anybody's budget, Dimitriou said.

"The Hershey Drive-In Theatre contacted us with this idea, and we thought it would be a great way for families to see movies with no admission fee charged."

The inflatable screen measures 40 feet high by 48 feet wide, with an image area of 20 feet by 26 feet, and weighs 700 pounds.

USA Theatres, a nonprofit organization that promotes drive-in and outdoor theaters in central Pennsylvania, owns the screen and will help manage the events.

The drive-in theater and Turkey Hill screen are scheduled to premiere Friday at Shank Park in Derry Township, Dauphin County. The theater and screen will continue to travel around the region at locations in Hershey, Hummelstown, Ephrata and Dover.

Movies will begin at dusk every Friday and Saturday evening through August.

Though no admission fee will be charged, donations will be welcomed and concessions and souvenirs will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Christian Public Entertainment Network.

As promoted on the USA Theatres Web site, movies shown on the Turkey Hill Screen will exhibit "faith-based, morally-driven, and family-friendly programming." The feature presentation for Friday and Saturday will be the animated film "Madagascar," featuring the voices of Ben Stiller and Chris Rock.

People will be able to hear the movies directly from a car stereo or a hand-held radio, said Wes Dunn, a major investor and organizer for USA Theatres.

Jason Williams, public relations and promotions coordinator for Turkey Hill Dairy, said he is excited for the community.

"This sponsorship with the Hershey Drive-In Theatre represents a relationship with the people. … This is a wonderful opportunity for communities to enjoy outdoor movies again."

Turkey Hill Minit Markets consists of a chain of convenience stores and gas stations. Based in Lancaster, it has more than 240 stores in central Pennsylvania and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area.

Turkey Hill Dairy is a dairy processor in Conestoga that sells fresh milk products.

• For more information on upcoming movie dates, go to USA Theatres' Web site, www.usatheatres.com.

Show times and locations are as follows:

Shank Park, Bull Frog Valley Road, Hershey: June 6, 7; July 11, 12; Aug. 8, 9.

Hershey Conewago Campground, 1590 Hershey Road, Elizabethtown: June 13, 14, 27, 28; July 25, 26; Aug. 15, 16.

Ball field at Friendship Community Church, 3380 Fox Run Road, Dover: June 20, 21; Aug. 29, 30.

Meadows Park, Hanshue Road, Hershey: July 18, 19.

Open field at Ephrata Community Church, 70 Clay Road, Ephrata: Aug. 22, 23.

Catch a free movie outside this summer in Hershey

Daily Record/Sunday News
Article Last Updated: 05/21/2008 07:20:51 AM EDT

Hershey Drive-In Theatre, a new outdoor movie theatre, opens June 6 at Shank Park, Bullfrog Valley Road in Derry Township.

The theater features the new portable Turkey Hill Screen. The screen will travel to select locations in Hershey, Hummelstown, Ephrata and Dover during the summer.

Movies will begin at dusk, every Friday and Saturday from June through October. Admission is free and food will be available for purchase. For details, visit www.usatheatres.com.

TURKEY HILL UNVEILS OUTDOOR MOVIE SCREEN

Hershey, PA - Turkey Hill Minit Markets, a chain of Pennsylvania convenience stores and gas stations, and its sister company, Turkey Hill Dairy, a dairy processor in Conestoga, Pennsylvania that sells fresh milk products, ice creams, and drinks, has become the official title sponsor of a new, portable outdoor movie screen, presented by the Hershey Drive-In Theatre, a new drive-in and outdoor movie theatre operating in South Central Pennsylvania.  "The new, portable outdoor movie screen will be named the Turkey Hill Screen," said Erin Dimitriou Smith, Advertising and Public Relations Manager of Turkey Hill Minit Markets.  "The Hershey Drive-In Theatre contacted us with this idea and we thought it would be a great way for families to see movies with no admission fee charged." 

When set up, the Turkey Hill Screen measures a huge 40' high by 48' wide, with an image area of 20' high by 36' wide.  USA Theatres, a hosting site that promotes operational drive-in and outdoor theatres in Central Pennsylvania, will help manage, operate, and own the new, portable outdoor movie screen.  "The title sponsorship for the new Turkey Hill Screen includes a one-year naming rights agreement," said Ronald M. Vastola, Marketing Director and Outreach Coordinator of USA Theatres.  I'm looking forward to serving family's with faith-based entertainment, and continuing our relationship with Turkey Hill, for this year and beyond."  "This sponsorship with the Hershey Drive-In Theatre represents a relationship with the people," said Jason Williams, Public Relations and Promotions Coordinator for Turkey Hill Dairy.  "This is a wonderful opportunity for communities to enjoy outdoor movies again."

The new drive-in theatre and Turkey Hill Screen is scheduled to premier on Friday, June 6, 2008 at Shank Park in Derry Township, and will continue to travel around South Central Pennsylvania at select locations in Hershey, Hummelstown, Ephrata, and Dover.  Movies will begin at dusk, every Friday and Saturday evening, from June through October.  No admission fee will be charged; however, donations are welcomed and concessions and souvenirs will be available for purchase.  "People can hear the movie from a 300-watt portable PA system, provided by Menchey Music Service," said Wes Dunn, a major investor and organizer for USA Theatres.  "A FM stereo transmitter will transmit the sound directly to car stereos or hand-held radios.  We will be utilizing state-of-the-art technology, including a 5,500 lumen's digital projector, showcasing high-definition motion pictures".

Turkey Hill is based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and currently has over 240 stores in Central Pennsylvania and in the Scranton/Wilkes Barre area.  Turkey Hill offers numerous fund-raising opportunities, including a milk fundraiser that can raise funds for schools, community groups, or non-profit organizations, by simply drinking milk and collecting the lids.       

NEW DRIVE-IN THEATRE SERVES SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Fun Family Events Entertain Guests With Outside Movie Nights

HERSHEY, PA - "Bring lawn chairs and blankets and watch the fun begin," said Wes Dunn, major investor and outreach organizer for USA Theatres, a new and improved hosting site that promotes portable and operational drive-in and outdoor theatres in Central Pennsylvania, that exhibits faith-based, morally-driven and family-friendly programming.

The fun and excitement is scheduled to begin this summer on Friday, June 6, at Shank Park, located off Bullfrog Valley Road in Hershey, and will continue to travel around South Central Pennsylvania, at venues including: Meadows Park, Hershey Conewago Campground, and Ephrata Community Church.  The portable drive-in and outdoor theatre group will end its' first 2008 season on Saturday, August 30, at the ball field of Friendship Community Church in Dover Township.

"This is the exact direction that I'd hoped to take this group to," said Ronald M. Vastola, Marketing Director and Outreach Coordinator of USA Theatres, and former President of the York Drive-In Theatre, a mobile drive-in theatre that operated at the York Fairgrounds, during the summer months of 2006 and 2007.

"The new and improved drive-in and outdoor theatre will be billed as the Hershey Drive-In Theatre, Outdoor Movies... Driven with Purpose!," Dunn said. 

Movies will begin at dusk, and there will be no admission fee charged.  "This is part of our community service and outreach program for 2008.  We are able to accomplish this, due to our dedicated sponsors, and by welcoming donations and selling concession and souvenirs," Vastola said.  All of the movie events are offered in conjunction with Best Western, United Rentals, Members 1st FCU, Tanger Outlets, Turkey Hill, Menchey Music, Conewago Valley Motor Inn, The Hershey Company, and many more.  For further information, visit www.usatheatres.com.   

Rained out on Friday, stadium's double feature scores on Sunday

BROCK PARKER The York Dispatch Article
Last Updated: 10/29/2007 11:56:02 AM EDT

With baseball season over, there will not be any more round-trippers at Sovereign Bank Stadium until next spring.

But Sunday night, Shana Thoman still got to see a Homer to left field. Thoman, 24, of Manchester Township, was one of dozens of moviegoers who bundled up for the Double Header Movie Night at the home of the York Revolution on Sunday.

Wrapped in a blanket on the left field grass, Thoman looked to the giant screen erected in left field and watched animated movie star Homer Simpson lead off the double feature that began at 6:30 p.m. with "The Simpsons Movie." The nightcap at 8:30 p.m. was "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry."

Tickets to see both movies were $6 in advance, and Thoman said the price was right.

"That is really good," she said. "I haven't seen either of them."

The York Revolution had originally planned to show the double feature Friday night, but rain forced the team to reschedule for Sunday. The Revolution also hosted the DownTown's Trick-or-Treat Spook-Tacular Saturday night, and team spokesman Kate Thompson said more than 1,000 children attended.

Despite the cool weather, Revolution spokeswoman Kate Thompson said the events did well.

"We definitely want to continue doing things like this," she said.

At the rescheduled movie night Sunday, Theresa Lehigh and her son Devin Lehigh, 11, of Manchester Township, said they came to see "The Simpsons Movie" because it's not out on DVD, yet.

But the rain delay that pushed the movie night from Friday to Sunday kept them from staying for the second show.

"We're not going to watch them both because it's a school night," Theresa Lehigh said.

Instead of rain, the Sunday moviegoers had to contend with temperatures that dropped into the low 40s and high 30s.

While the Lehighs sought shelter in the skybox seats at the stadium, Leah Whalen, 24, and Seth Wentz, 26, of York City, huddled under a pink blanket and kicked their feet up on the first-base dugout.

With a little hot chocolate, Wentz said, they would make it through the movies.

Stadium doubles as theater for flicks
Sovereign Bank Stadium Movie draws fans for Halloween festivities and doubleheader film shows.

By GREG GROSS
For the Daily Record/Sunday News
Article Last Updated: 10/29/2007 06:18:36 AM EDT

The films, "The Simpson Movie" and "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" were to be shown Friday night, but the event had to be postponed because of rain.

Kate Thompson of the York Revolution said 800 tickets were sold for the Friday movie night, and those tickets were honored Sunday.

"Being that this is the first weekend we've held events here (after the baseball season has ended), we expect it to be a great turnout," Thompson said.

Sunday's movies were part of a weekend of family-friendly events at the downtown stadium. Saturday night, the Revs' mascot hosted DownTown's Trick-or-Treat Spook-Tacular, where more than a thousand children came dressed in costumes to trick-or-treat and to do activities like arts and crafts.

This could only be the beginning of future events planned for stadium, Thompson said.

Such festivities could include more movie nights, and this year's New Year's Eve grand finale events are scheduled to be held there, complete with the official dropping of the White Rose to ring in 2008.

Sunday, Marci Jaras was perched high above the field in the Glatfelter Suite eagerly awaiting the start of the movie.

"Whoever came up with the idea to use the stadium for this is a genius," Jaras said just before the film began to roll.

Jaras and her two sons, Hunter and Dillan, made their way through the chilly October air from their York home to the stadium both Saturday and Sunday to take in events.

But Jaras said she'd like to see an all-kids movie night at the stadium instead of a kids movie followed by a more adult-oriented movie like the "Casper" and "The Ring" doubleheader Saturday.

The stadium did prohibit those under 21 years of age through the gate to view "The Ring."

"It would be really good if they had two kids movies in one night," Jaras said.

Movie screen at ballpark moved to accommodate weather

Daily Record/Sunday News
Article Last Updated: 10/26/2007 07:26:43 AM EDT

Oct 26, 2007 — The York Revolution's giant movie screen has been moved from the Arch Nemesis to the field, so that viewers can see the two movies from inside the ball club's stadium if the weather does not cooperate this weekend.

Tonight, Sovereign Bank Stadium hosts a double-header movie night, using a 36' x 60' screen, which the stadium boasts is “the area's largest movie theatre ever.”

“The Simpsons Movie” and “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” both rated PG-13, will be shown, beginning at dusk, (around 7:30 p.m.).

The screen was initially in front of the Arch Nemesis, the ballpark's towering left field wall, but on Thursday, due to the uncooperative weather, it was moved closer to the infield.

Fans now have two options: for $8, they can bring their blankets and chairs and see the movie outside, or for $13, they can watch the movies in the enclosed White Rose Hall. Unlimited hot cocoa and popcorn will be available and is included in the price.

Tickets for the event are $8, and can be purchased at the Apple Chevy Ticket Office or by visiting http://www.yorkrevolution.com.

Sovereign stadium's Friday movie night postponed

Daily Record/Sunday News
Article Last Updated: 10/26/2007 03:50:46 PM EDT

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., and "The Simpsons Movie" (PG-13) will play at 6:30 p.m. "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" (PG-13) will begin at 8:30 p.m.

Moviegoers who purchased tickets for tonight's Double Header Movie Night may use them on Sunday or return them for a full refund.

Saturday's Trick-or-Treat Spook-Tacular and movies are still scheduled to run as of now. Tickets are still available for both events and are $6 in advance and $8 at the gate.

Tickets can be purchased at the Apple Chevy Ticket Office or at YorkRevolution.com.

Stadium hosts movies, Spooktacular fun

Daily Record/Sunday News
Article Last Updated: 10/26/2007 09:12:38 AM EDT

Oct 25, 2007 — If you're a big York Revs fan, odds are you're lamenting the end of baseball season. Don't worry because there's still plenty of action to be found at Sovereign Bank Stadium.

On Friday, the stadium turns into a huge movie theater as the York Revolution offers its first off-season event, a Double Header Movie Night.

On Saturday, the stadium is participating in DownTown's Trick-Or-Treat Spooktacular and offering a Late Night Thriller for adults 21 and older.

“The Simpsons Movie,” PG-13, a feature starring the beloved cartoon characters, will be shown at dusk Friday. “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” starring Adam Sandler and Kevin James, will follow after a 30-minute intermission. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Moviegoers will be able to enjoy both films on a 35-foot-by-

60-foot screen set up over the left field wall, known as the Arch Nemesis for its proximity to Arch Street.

“We are encouraging moviegoers to bring their blankets and lawn chairs and spread out on the field and watch the movies,” said Kate Thompson, the communications manager for the Revolution. “This is the first time this has ever been done in the York area - what better event

Indulge in a few fall foods, including caramel covered apples, pumpkin funnel cakes, hot chocolate, coffee and, of course, popcorn. Visit the White Rose Hall and, for $13, enjoy unlimited popcorn and hot cocoa.

Event tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door. For tickets, call 801-HITS or visit http://www.YorkRevolution.com. Discounted tickets are available for groups 25 or more.

But that's not all. Bring the kids from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday for trick-or-treating in the concourse area and skyboxes. Check out the arts and crafts and the Haunted Cave, or participate in a costume parade around the warning track at 6 p.m.

Then, catch “Casper” in his own movie at 7:30 p.m.

After the kids have gone home for the evening, adults 21 and older can watch the Late Night Thriller flick, “The Ring” at 10 p.m.

- AMITY BITZEL, FOR FLIPSIDE

Different sort of doubleheader
Weather, glitches don’t deter movie fans looking for fun at the Clip

By TOM KNAPP, Staff
Intelligencer Journal

Published: Oct 20, 2007 2:51 AM EST

LANCASTER, Pa. - Technical difficulties Friday at Clipper Magazine Stadium caused a one-hour delay of "Shrek."

And immediately after "Shrek the Third" started rolling, just moments shy of 8 p.m., the rain started falling.

The downpour was brief but strong, though it didn't seem to dissuade many of the people who filled scattered seats in the stadium for a Friday night at the movies doubleheader event at the Clip.

"I wish they'd do this every weekend," Melanie Petrosky of Lancaster said.

Most of the people seated on blankets on the diamond, however, quickly headed for shelter.

Nearly 300 people filed into the stadium Friday for "Shrek the Third" and "The Simpsons Movie," both summer blockbusters that were projected onto an inflatable screen in center field.

The movies will be repeated at 7 tonight in case some people were kept away by the weather, according to ballfield spokesman Adam Aurand.

Petrosky was there Friday with her husband Mike, 9-year-old daughter Hailey and 5-year-old son Isaac. The kids were dressed as a witch and a dinosaur, respectively, for the costume contest between films.

"This is great … especially since we don't have a drive-in anymore," she said. "We used to always go to things like this at the drive-in."

The family found prime seats near first base, though they moved back under shelter once the rain started falling.

"This is fun. It's different," said Bobbi Russo, also of Lancaster, who attended with husband Frank, 8-year-old daughter Sophia and 5-year-old son Frank.

"It's like going to the drive-in … but you get to sit in a seat and get some air," she said. "This is a great idea."

Mark Medora and Sam Young, who had a great view from a blanket between second base and the pitcher's mound, also were eager for an evening's entertainment.

"I don't know which movie I'm looking forward to the most. Probably 'Shrek,' " Medora said. "My friends laughed because I was going out to see cartoons, but hey, I love cartoons. They need to do this more often."

However, the two men gave up their spot for a pair of stadium seats as soon as it started to rain.

The same was true for Sheri Fisher, a Millersville University sophomore, and her boyfriend, Chris Sharwarko of Lancaster, a pair of unabashed snugglers who thought a blanket near home plate was a perfect date-night setting.

"This is pretty cool," Fisher said. "And it's a good time of year for it."

Bekki Hardman of Elizabethtown, seated along the third-base line near home plate with husband Dennis and costumed daughters Cassandra, 4, as SpongeBob SquarePants, and Samantha, 7, as the starfish Patrick, said they often come to the Clip for ballgames.

She wasn't worried about the cloudy skies overhead.

"We brought raincoats and blankets," she said. "We've been here when it's rained for a baseball game. This isn't too different. Everyone will dry."

The lengthy delay — the film started an hour late because of electrical issues — did send some folks home early, however. Andy and Brooke Balmer of Ephrata, who came out with 15-month-old son MacGyver, were looking forward to the movies but decided to call it a night a few minutes before 8 p.m.

The film started just a few minutes after they left.

Aurand noted that it's nearly time to begin cutting sod to make way for the Clip's popular Ice Park, which is scheduled to open Nov. 30.

The rink has been moved from the infield to right field, Aurand said, but otherwise will be very similar to last year's Ice Park.

"We want to have the preparations ready so they can freeze the ice as soon as there's a cold spell," he said. "Last year, the weekend we wanted to open was too warm … and we couldn't freeze the ice."

Stadium to host off-season events
City officials say New Year's festivities could involve stadium

By ANGIE MASON
Daily Record/Sunday News
Article Last Updated: 10/05/2007 03:55:57 AM EDT

Oct 5, 2007 — Sovereign Bank Stadium officials are planning events to keep people filing in during the baseball team's off-season, starting with Halloween.

The idea is to "keep people coming back to the ballpark, (let) them know that we're here," said Kate Thompson, spokeswoman for the York Revolution.

The stadium has scheduled a Doubleheader Movie Night for Oct. 26 and Halloween festivities for Oct. 27, Thompson said.

The first night, visitors can watch two movies from the ballfield or any seat in the stands, she said.

The next night, there will be Halloween activities for children, including arts and crafts, a movie showing and a spooky cave in the batting cages. Later, beer stands will be open for adults who want to catch a late-night movie.

Those are the only events scheduled for now.

"We're definitely looking to do more events at the stadium," she said. "Right now we're just trying to get this one planned and off, and (we'll) see how that goes."

But New Year's Eve could be an option, according to Kelley Gibson, the city's special

The city has received feedback that feedback that "people want a new kind of addition to New Year's," said Gibson, who works for Inside Out Consulting. This year, the city wants New Year's festivities that appeal to families and offer them different options. Adding the stadium as a site would make the event bigger than it could be otherwise, she said.

Though nothing is official, involving Sovereign Bank Stadium just makes sense, she said.

"They're just a big part of the city," she said. "It's just a logical fit."

Thompson declined to comment on any talks related to New Year's.

Mayor John Brenner said the stadium has "great potential" for events such as New Year's Eve festivities, but he hopes the community looks at it as an option for more than just concerts, shows and large events.

Rooms in the stadium are fit for awards ceremonies, meetings or parties, he said. The Revolution is investigating ways to use the stadium during the winter months, he said.

"We certainly want to see events and activities taking place there year-round," he said. Since the beginning, the stadium was meant to "be far more than a baseball facility. It would be a community gathering place."

EVENTS

Upcoming events at Sovereign Bank Stadium include:

Oct. 26: Doubleheader Movie Night

Watch "The Simpsons Movie" or "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" from the ballfield or the stands. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at dusk, about 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27: DownTown's Trick-or-Treat Spook-Tacular

From 4 to 9 p.m., children's activities including trick-or-treat, arts and crafts and a haunted cave will take over the stadium. "Casper" will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Adults 21 and over can come from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for the "Late Night Thriller" showing of "The Ring." Beer stands will be open.

Tickets for both events are $6 in advance or $8 at the door. Visit http://www.yorkrevolution.com for more information.

York Drive-In Theatre to close, reopen as nonprofit

CHARLES SCHILLINGER
The York Dispatch
Article Last Updated: 09/06/2007 10:48:12 AM EDT

The York Drive-In Theatre will shut down operations after its last showing this weekend at the Friendship Community Church in Dover.

The drive-in started business last year, showing movies at the York fairgrounds during the summer months. The operation was mobile, allowing them to set up and tear down the drive-in screen and move it as needed.

After running the business for two seasons, drive-in president Ron Vastola said he is closing up shop, but will continue using the mobile movie screen as a nonprofit venture. The nonprofit will have a new name and likely work out of Hershey instead of York.

"I want to exhibit faith-based, morally driven, family-friendly films, such as those with the Fox Faith Films," Vastola said. Fox Faith Films is a new movie studio under the 20th Century Fox umbrella that features Christian-authored films.

Last weekend was the last for York Drive-In at the fairgrounds for the year. However, it might return to York and the fairgrounds in the future for nonprofit events, Vastola said.

"In Hershey, in my opinion, you can reach more than a local demography, you can reach out to the world," he said. "And that appeals to me a lot."

This weekend will be the last showing before the curtain

The York Drive-In Theatre and Friendship Community Church will pay for the tickets of the movie, Vastola said, but donations are welcome.

-- Reach Charles Schillinger at 505-5431 or cschillinger@yorkdispatch.com.
 
The York Drive-In Theatre will show the movie "Evan Almighty" free this Friday and Saturday at the ball field of Friendship Community Church, 3380 Fox Run Road, Dover. The ball field opens at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. both days.

York drive-in closing, may give way to nonprofit

Published: Sep 05, 2007 4:55 AM EST YDR.com

YORK, Pa. (AP) - Hundreds of cars have pulled up to view drive-in movies on the grounds of the York Expo Center over the past year, but the shows ended there last weekend, at least for the forseeable future.

The York Drive-In Theatre opened last summer showing films on a blowup screen 60 feet long and 36 feet high. People could watch either in their cars, on lawn chairs outside or from the grandstand, with sound broadcast over an FM radio station.

One show last year attracted more than 1,000 people, company president Ronald M. Vastola said.

But the operation is ending as part of Vastola's plan to set up a nonprofit group that will produce live entertainment and movies next year. He said he plans to have live Christian and secular music before the films, which will be "faith-based, morally driven and family friendly."

Vastola said he would prefer a more central location and has been talking with venues in Hershey. Shows could return to York or, since the screen is portable, travel around southcentral Pennsylvania, stopping for several weeks or months in one location, he said.

"I dropped my crystal ball," Vastola said. "I don't know exactly where we're going with this."

One more free show will be held on Friday and Saturday on the ballfield of Friendship Community Church in Dover Township for what Vastola called "our grand finale in York County for 2007."

York Drive-In Theatre takes a detour to Dover this weekend

CHARLES SCHILLINGER
The York Dispatch
Article Last Updated: 06/01/2007 02:17:47 PM EDT

The York Drive-In Theatre will take a two-week hiatus from showing movies at the York Fairgrounds to make way for the annual street rod show this weekend and York's Greatest Yard Sale next weekend.

In the meantime, Yorkers will have the opportunity to see a free drive-in movie when the theater relocates to Dover Township next Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9.

The York Drive-In will be showing the recently released Disney flick "Meet the Robinsons" at a ballfield owned by the Friendship Community Church at 3380 Fox Run Road. The ballfield opens at 7 p.m., and the movie is set to start at 9 p.m.

"I always wanted to move it around, to take it to churches and nonprofits for showings," said Ron Vastola, president of the drive-in. Though the movie next weekend is free to the public, it's not free to show because Disney receives a fee based on how many people watch the movie.

The church and theater have decided to cover the costs, though donations are welcome, Vastola said.

The York Drive-In opened May 4 with rainy weekends throughout the month keeping business slow. However, one weekend, when "Shrek the Third" premiered at the drive-in, more than 200 people showed up despite the rain.

"It was inspiring to see people coming in even with their windshield wipers going," Vastola said. The drive-in will return to the York Fairgrounds the weekend of June 15 with what Vastola hopes will be the premiere of the "Fantastic Four" movie sequel.

The drive-in will run movies at the fairgrounds at 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day weekend.

-- Reach Charles Schillinger at 505-5431 or cschillinger@yorkdispatch.com.

Looking for the drive-in?
You'll have to head up the road. But it'll be free.

By CHARLOTTE TUCKER
Daily Record/Sunday News
Article Launched: 05/31/2007 01:33:17 AM EDT

May 31, 2007 -- The drive-in at the York Expo Center is on a two-week hiatus, but Ron Vastola, president of the company that operates the movable drive-in theater, has made other arrangements.

June 8 and 9, the drive-in will relocate to the Friendship Community Church in Dover Township. And the movie, "Meet the Robinsons," will be free.

"We always wanted to do something at a church," Vastola said. "It just so happened that we were free the weekend the church wanted to do it."

The drive-in was bumped from its usual spot this week by Street Rod Nationals East. Next week, the Expo Center will host the World's Greatest Yard Sale.

Dennis Hall, pastor at the church, said he sees the free movies as a way to reach out to the community. "If Friendship Community Church would ever close, I want our community to say, 'Hey, we really miss that church,'" he said. "We want to be a church that not only blesses the attendees but the community."

When the movies are shown at the Expo Center, admission is $8 for those 12 and older and $6 for seniors, students and children ages 3 to 11. "Meet the Robinsons" will be shown on the theater's 60-foot-by-30-foot screen, which will be set up on the ballfield of the church at 3380 Fox Run Road in Dover Township.

Hall said he had two criteria in mind for the film: It had to be family-friendly and well-reviewed. Moving the drive-in was no easy feat. The 1,000-pound screen had to be loaded onto a truck and hauled up Route 74.

The endeavor was completed with the help of volunteers, Vastola said. "There were a lot of people and businesses contributing to the success of this."

Innovation puts images in focus
New technology makes daylight imaging possible.

By JENNIFER VOGELSONG
Daily Record/Sunday News
Article Launched: 03/27/2007 04:20:45 AM EDT

Mar 27, 2007 - Ron Vastola thinks a daytime drive-in theater might be a hit.

As long as the sun isn't directly behind the screen.

As long as he presents films on weekends when most people aren't at work.

As long as not more than a couple hundred carloads show up to watch and they stay at least 30 feet from the screen.

Vastola, who began showing nighttime drive-in movies at the York Expo Center last summer on a 60-by-36-foot inflatable screen with a portable projector from the Ohio-based company MediaMonster, is anxious to try out the company's new device for daylight viewing.

A 12-by-8-foot screen is mounted on a telescoping hydraulic pole that can raise it 17 feet in the air and turn it 360 degrees.

Up close, it appears to be nothing more than a big Lite-Brite. Hundreds upon hundreds of tiny red, blue and green light bulbs create an image that resembles a pixilated low-resolution digital image.

But stand back, and it's like you're watching a giant, flat-screen TV.

Fiber-optic cables snake from the back of the screen to a portable control console that can play video and other image displays from laptop computers or DVDs.

Vastola got the device two weeks ago, but he's still mesmerized by it.

"It's very advanced technology; I just don't grasp it," he said. "It's a trade secret, just like the Willy Wonka chocolate bar."

Creator Brad Webb, owner of MediaMonster, developed the technology in 2004 after the Kerry-Edwards presidential campaign called, wanting to use his inflatable projection equipment for daylight broadcasts.

Webb knew that wouldn't work, and he began working on something that would. "I knew they had another 35 or 40 (campaign) stops, and I'd lose a quarter-million dollars, so that was my motivation," he said. "There are probably fewer than 12 of these in the country."

Now, he's working on manufacturing two even larger ones.

Vastola said he'll test the daylight drive-in market shortly after the drive-in movie season opens May 4 - maybe show some family-friendly flicks before the feature films and invite viewers to bring picnic suppers and hang out.

But if that doesn't catch on, he envisions dozens of other uses for the technology: live simulcasts of major sporting events, concerts, trade shows, elections, graduation ceremonies and air-show exhibitions. Maybe he'll use it for advertising campaigns, public service announcements, grand openings or professional gaming competitions.

Vastola said he'll rent the whole contraption, hook it up and run it for about $2,500 a day.

"Movies are such a small part of this."

Daytime Drive-In Debuts in York

Tuesday March 27, 2007 6:45pm
Reporter: David Vagnoni, WHTM-27

York - New technology is making the drive-in movie a daytime activity.

"We may be the world's first daylight drive-in perhaps," according to Ron Vastola.

Ron Vastola is a humble guy.  But he admits he could be sitting on a gold mine.  He plans to use a new-age version of the old silver screen to charm audiences this summer.

"This technology is one of a kind," says Vastola.  "It's amazing. What you are looking at is history in the making."

Vastola resurrected the drive-in theater in York County last July.  Families flocked to the York Fairgrounds to watch movies on an inflatable screen.  

"We probably averaged about a thousand people per weekend in the six weeks that we were open," according to Vastola. 

Now Vastola is experimenting with even more advanced technology.  He has one, of  only a dozen machines in the country, that can show movies in sunlight.  The machine is very versatile and uses a dvd player or a laptop as an input source for movies.  The screen will debut for the public at the York Fairgrounds.  Vastola says companies can rent the screen as well. 

"Whether a company wants to have a grand opening or they want to use it for a graduation ceremony,"  says Vastola.  "We're going to be doing a lot of charity work with non-profit organizations."

Vastola promises to show movies that are family-friendly.  He won't show anything that is rated R.  Otherwise there are no limits for the 13 by 9 foot screen.  The new technology will debut in York County at the fairgrounds in May. 

Copyright 2008 Harrisburg Television, Inc.

Using Rocky to fight for God
An area man is selling his 'Rocky' memorabilia to donate the money to his church.

By JOSEPH MALDONADO
For the Daily Record/Sunday News
Article Launched: 03/23/2007 05:34:55 AM EDT

Mar 23, 2007 - It might surprise you, but "Rocky" is not the first name of Sylvester Stallone's famous boxing character, Rocky Balboa.

According to Rocky's Philadelphia file chart, which is a real form used by boxers to apply for a fighting permit in the city, the character's first name is actually Robert.

Though the application is real, no license was needed nor granted. The studio that filmed the sixth, and aptly named movie franchise installment, "Rocky Balboa," filled out the form to use as a set prop.

Ronald Vastola, who owns a company called Exclusive Collectibles and The York Drive-in Theatre, also owns two of the three file charts that were created and used in the latest, and said to be the last, Rocky movie.

One of Vastola's forms, along with other "Rocky Balboa" movie props in his possession, will go up for auction April 22 on eBay. Vastola will donate the money he raises to the general fund of Friendship Community Church in Dover Township.

One of the reasons Vastola offered to sell some of his collectibles for the church is because of how Friendship helps people overcome obstacles through their outreach programs.

"Rocky's character has overcome a lot in his life," Vastola said. "And many people, especially me, find great inspiration in his story."

Other insights offered by the form include Rocky's fictional address, 9545 Wentworth St. in Philadelphia, and the medical opinion that the fighter has "no particular psychiatric abnormalities."

"Rocky has taken a lot of blows to the head," Vastola said with a laugh.

Vastola bought the Rocky items with money he received from an early inheritance. The $1,500 he spent represents a tithe he wants to give to God, he said.

With a successful auction, he hopes the final amount he can give will grow to between $4,000 and $6,000.

In addition to the file chart, Vastola is also selling two robes worn by Rocky's latest boxing nemesis, Mason "The Line" Dixon, played by Antonio Tarver.

One of the robes was worn in the beginning of the movie as Dixon promises not to make a fool of Rocky if he doesn't fight back too hard. The other Dixon wears before the final fight.

Also up for auction is an Adrian's Restaurant business card that Rocky hands the character Little Marie as he invites her to come work for him. A photo of Adrian, Rocky's deceased wife, will also be put on eBay.

"This particular picture gets a lot of screen time," Vastola said.

Fans of the Paulie character will be glad to know that the smock he wears while working in the freezer section of Shamrock Meats is for sale, as is his white hard hat.

While Vastola, 34, has been a huge fan of the movies since the first "Rocky" in 1976, Friendship's pastor, the Rev. Dennis Hall, shrugs his shoulders.

"I've seen a couple of the films," he said. "But what inspires me more is seeing (Vastola) use his passions for purpose-driven causes. He is helping those fighting real battles."

AUCTION

The "Rocky Balboa" prop auction to benefit Friendship Community Church in Dover Township begins April 22 on eBay. Each piece of movie memorabilia will come with a Certificate of Authenticity from Revolution Studios, the motion picture company that co-produced and co-financed the film.

The money will be used to benefit the church's outreach programs. For more information, visit friendshipcommunity.org.

New drive-in screen keeps movies bright, even in sunlight

CHARLES SCHILLINGER
The York Dispatch
Article Last Updated: 03/23/2007 12:33:21 PM EDT

The York Drive-In Theatre is the test pilot for a new technology that will allow movies to be shown in broad daylight instead of a traditional night-time viewing.

The company is hoping to use the new technology for public presentations of live events, but also has plans to make it available for movies it will show outdoors this year at the York fairgrounds.

"It's a really neat technology, and we can't wait to make use of it," said Ron Vastola, vice president of the York Drive-In Theatre.

He's not sure if people can expect the drive-in to hold a consistent schedule of daytime movies. The drive-in's administration wants to test the market demand, he said.

"We don't know what to expect," he said. "I guess it would be the first time you could get a tan and go to the drive-through theater."

The new technology would be able to accommodate about half the drive-in's normal audience of about 400, Vastola said.

The new screen uses a technology that allows images to be seen on a screen during the day, even with sunlight shining on it -- a feat otherwise not possible with projected movies.

But Vastola could not comment about the new technology he's renting from supplier MediaMonster.

"It's a trade secret, sort of like Willy Wonka's Everlasting Gobstopper," he said.

York Drive-In Theatre opened last July and showed movies on a portable blow-up screen in the infield at the York Expo Center on weekends through October.

Along with drive-in movies, Vastola said, he'd like to see the new daylight technology used for events like live showings of major sporting events, concerts and trade shows.

Vastola said he tentatively expects the drive-in theater to open for business again for the weekend of May 4. He said he continues to stick to his promise that all movies will be rated PG-13 or under.

The drive-in is also extending an invitation to the community to use its business for charitable causes, giving as an example a Firefighters' Day that would support a local fire company.

York drive-in gives fans a shot at 'Rocky' props

CHARLES SCHILLINGER
The York Dispatch Article
Last Updated: 03/23/2007 12:35:35 PM EDT

The York Drive-In Theatre is auctioning off a handful of authentic props from the latest Sylvester Stallone movie "Rocky Balboa" to benefit a local church program.

The auction on eBay next month will help raise money for a Friendship Community Church outreach program that aims to teach teenagers about redemption and overcoming life struggles, much as the main character does in the Rocky series.

Ron Vastola, vice president of the drive-in theater, said the character Rocky has always been an inspiration for his life. "The whole underdog story has always given me this sense of hope," Vastola said.

The portable drive-in was an underdog itself when it opened last spring at the York Expo Center, as it competes with national chain movie theaters for an audience in an era where drive-in theaters are disappearing.

Last year, it attracted almost 1,000 people per week, a "phenomenal" start to the business, Vastola said.

Recently, the avid Italian Stallion fan and memorabilia collector purchased some props through a dealer for Revolution Studios, which co-produced "Rocky Balboa."

Vastola intended to keep the items, worth about $1,500. But then he learned of the outreach program at the church, which he said is not necessarily a place he expected to find someone learning about the Rocky series.

The church's pastor, Dennis Hall, said the congregation has been using the theme for several months as a resource for its teenager outreach program. Rocky will not always be the theme, he said, but it was a good starting point.

"It's working well, the kids have been very receptive to it," Hall said.

Props include a boxing robe worn by Mason "The Line" Dixon, a photo on the wall in a restaurant, and one of Vastola's favorites, a file chart outlining Rocky's fitness for a license to box again in the recent movie.

"I'd like to keep the items," he admitted. "But I know it's going to a good cause."

The items are expected to be posted on www.ebay.com on April 22.

-- Reach Charles Schillinger at 505-5431 or cschillinger@yorkdispatch.com.

A NIGHT OUT // Drive-ins find niche market in midstate

To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of the death of the drive-in theater have been greatly exaggerated. True, the traditional drive-in has become an endangered species of entertainment. But it has not disappeared.

"Drive-ins weren't closing because of lack of support from the public," said Ron Vastola, 34, a co-owner of the portable York Drive-in that opened July 7 at the York Fairgrounds. "They were closing because of the economics of development. Real estate prices exceeded the value of the business."

Drive-ins typically were in rural areas, but as towns grew, the demand for land drove up the price of property. Vastola said his concept avoids that trap.

Vastola and his partner, Brad Webb, operate with an inflatable 60-by-36-foot screen, roughly the size of a three-story building.

The area of the fairgrounds where the screen usually is set up can accommodate 400 cars, about as many as a traditional drive-in.

"They can be installed in virtually any location," Vastola said.

His company has opened a second portable theater in Wildwood, N.J. That locale is technically not a drive-in, because the screen is on the beach.

"It's all towels and beach chairs. It's an amazing sight. It's so cool," Vastola said.

According to industry sources, drive-ins hit their peak in the late 1950s at 4,063. From 1978 to 1988, more than 1,000 screens went dark.

But the industry is in an upswing, according to the United Drive-In Theater Owners Association in Middle River, Md. In Pennsylvania, eight drive-in theaters, not including the one in York, were built or reopened in the past 10 years, the association reports. Six are still in business, for a total of 35 in the state.

In the day of fancy, air-conditioned multiplex cinemas, why are drive-in theaters holding on?

Vickie Hardy said she thinks it's because they are fun and affordable. Hardy, 50, is a granddaughter of Vance Haar, who opened Haar's Drive-In in 1953 in Carroll Twp., York County.

Admission to Haar's is $7 for adults, same as at the York Drive-in, and cheaper for children.

"Families will come together in a group," Hardy said. "They start showing up at 6: 30, set up chairs, even beach umbrellas, talk, play games, just enjoy themselves until the time for the movies to start."

On this night, the double feature started at 8: 45 p.m. with "Monster House," followed by "The Lake House."

Before dark, Suzanne Gilroy, 51, of Harrisburg, and Danny Licklider, 58, of York Twp., sat in front of their car, a game of Scrabble between them, a tray of crackers, cheese and wine to one side.

They laughed about a recent weekend when a truckload of college students showed up, unloaded a sofa and spent the night lounging on it.

"This is just a great part of Americana," Gilroy said.

Haar's has fallen victim, in a way, to the land-value trap. In 2002, Ahold, the parent company of Giant Foods, bought the land but leased the 16-acre site back to the family.

Al Darbrow, Hardy's brother-in-law, said the drive-in will close in September 2007. Hardy denied that, saying there is no length of time for the lease agreement.

Jodi Harries, 35, of Lewisberry, had her three daughters -- 3-year-old twins and a 6-year-old -- arrayed across the hood of her minivan, waiting for the movie to start at Haar's.

"It's so nostalgic," she said. "We'll have to come as often as we can."

Drive-in to the future
York's drive-in at the fairgrounds may be the first of many portable theaters

Daily Record/Sunday News July 27, 2006

If the business model Ron Vastola and his partners brought to the York fairgrounds this summer proves successful, he and his partners plan to replicate the York Drive-In elsewhere - opening outdoor theaters all the way down to Florida.

"The people of York are witnessing the future of drive-ins," he said. The key is portability, Vastola says.

Every part of the York Drive-In operation is movable - including the 36-foot-high and 60-foot-long inflatable "air screen" on which the movies are projected.

"The fact that we can move everything...is an advantage," said Vastola, a 34-year-old Hanover native who now lives in West Manchester Township.

It means the drive-in can set up shop anywhere they can rent enough space. "The general misconception is that drive-ins don't make money - but that's because the land they sit on (in many places) is so valuable," Vastola said.

He was referring to the reason so many drive-in theater owners sold out to land developers in the 1970s and '80s: It was no longer economical to use large swatches of land for movies when you could build shopping malls (or multiplexes) there instead.

That's in part why only about 400 drive-ins remain today - down from a peak of 4,063 in 1958, according to the United Drive-in Theatre Owners Association.

Some are making a comeback but not always successfully: The Columbia Drive-In reopened in 2001 and closed in 2005. A developer has planned a retail center for the site.

Dillsburg's Haar's Drive-In sold its land to the Giant grocery store chain and now rents its property off Route 15.

Haar's has about two years left before its lease is up, but they hope to keep things going for years to come, said Elwood Haar, whose family runs the 54-year-old business.

Vastola and his partners say they don't have to worry about the threat of creeping development at the York Fairgrounds - grounds that are unlikely to become a Wal-Mart any time soon and sit vacant most of the year anyway.

"This is really such a cool concept," Vastola said of the operation. "It's really innovative."

Last weekend, the drive-in shifted indoors to make way for the All-Breeds Jeep Show at the fairgrounds. The drive-in became a "walk-in" at the Toyota Arena instead.

This weekend, the York Drive-In returns to its normal infield location and schedule - Wednesdays through Sundays until they close for the season Oct. 29.

A double-feature of "Cars" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" will be playing. "Cars" will begin at 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" will start at 10:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

- FLIPSIDE STAFF

DRESS REHEARSAL'S OVER
Drive-in draws heavy traffic in premiere weekend

CHARLES SCHILLINGER
The York Dispatch
Article Last Updated: 07/21/2006 11:04:01 AM EDT

The York Drive-In Theatre saw more than 200 vehicles roll into the York fairgrounds to watch movies July 7.

The business is now settling in after its "dress rehearsal" the first two weeks, said Ron Vastola, one of the drive-in owners.

"What was exciting was that people were showing up the first night and didn't even know what was playing," he said. "They were just coming for the drive-in experience."

Owners Raymond Martin and Vastola put together the concept of the portable theater at the York Expo Center and quickly began promoting it about three weeks ago.

The 60-foot-by-36-foot screen, projection booth, food and beverage stands and box office are completely portable.

Vastola said improvements are being made, including building a stage-like platform to elevate the screen and help prevent larger vehicles from becoming obstructions. They're also getting better at putting together a layout for the vehicles.

"I had no idea what to expect that first week, but I was pleasantly surprised on 200 cars for the grand opening," Vastola said. "I still think a lot of people do not even know we're open. Once we start getting that buzz, though, I think we'll have greater numbers."

The infield of the fairgrounds can hold about 400 cars, Vastola said.

For this weekend, the drive-in will be moving to the Toyota Arena Grounds to accommodate another event at the fairgrounds. During the move, the drive-in will play the movies "Unidentified" and "End of the Harvest."

"Unidentified" is an 85-minute Christian film about two reporters investigating UFO sightings for a national magazine. "End of the Harvest," another prophecy drama, runs 54 minutes.

The drive-in duo expect to return to the infield next weekend for a Disney double feature.

Drive-in draws a crowd
The Expo Center was packed for the opening night.

By SCOT D. CELLEY
For the Daily Record/Sunday News

Jul 8, 2006 — Ronald Vastola, one of the co-owners of the new York Drive-In at the York Expo Center, took in the number of moviegoers that showed up early Friday night.

"The show doesn't go on until 9," Vastola said with a smile at 7:40, "and we have cars here already."

There was a steady stream of vehicles making its way to the Expo Center infield to park in front of a large, blank inflatable screen for opening night.

"I don't know what to expect," he said.

Once parked, people settled into lawn chairs, their cars' seats or on blankets. A few played football while waiting for the films "Over the Hedge" and "Nacho Libre" to show.

Many moviegoers echoed the names of drive-ins past: Columbia, Lincolnway or Stony Brook.

Judy Strawbridge of Winterstown sat in a lawn chair while her 14-year-old daughter, Jamie, and 10-year-old son, Jimmy II, talked nearby. They went to the Columbia Drive-In before it closed last year.

"They thought it was neat the first time I took them to a drive-in," she said.

Finding out how a drive-in theater would be set up in the middle of the Expo Center grounds intrigued Donald Strickler and Marsha Hamme of Glen Rock. They brought Strickler's 6-year-old granddaughter, Jamie Kitts, along to check it out.

"I always liked them," Strickler said of drive-in theaters. "You could relax in your own car."

"And you can't afford to take kids to an indoor movie," Hamme added.

Vastola said there's a misperception that drive-in theaters lack support. He cited the case of the Columbia Drive-In in Lancaster County, where 30,000 people signed a petition to stop it from closing.

It closed anyway.

What has been closing drive-ins, Vastola said, has been the price of land and pressure from developers.

The York Drive-In is a partnership of several businessmen.

Robin Weaver of York said she's glad a drive-in is back.

"This is wonderful." she said. "This is way better than a theater."

WALK-INS WELCOME*

CHARLES SCHILLINGER The York Dispatch
July 6, 2006

The first of the double-feature showing at the York Drive-In Theatre will be the DreamWorks cartoon "Over The Hedge," which is about animals invading a suburban neighborhood, starting at 9 p.m.

The second movie will be "Nacho Libre," featuring Black as a man raised in a monastery in Mexico who follows his dream to become a wrestler. It will start at 10:35 p.m. Those movies will repeat Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday.

"We're very excited to get this off the ground," said Ronald Vastola, one of the owners. "The phone has been ringing off the hook with people interested in this."

Raymond Martin and Vastola, the owners of Exclusive Collectibles -- a producer and distributor of trading cards signed by celebrities -- will turn the infield of the fairgrounds into a portable drive-in theater showing family-oriented new releases and classics.

The duo are also planning a special Superman tribute for next Friday, possibly featuring "Superman Returns" followed by classic clips of the iconic American hero from black-and-white cartoons and the television show.

"Most people don't know the original Superman was Kirk Alyn, from the  '40s and   '50s," Vastola said. "We'd love to do something like that, but it's not completely final yet."

Completely portable: Despite the decline of drive-in theaters, Vastola said they believe having a portable theater on an established site such as the fairgrounds would make it a profitable business.

When the theater opens, it will project movies on a screen 60-feet-by-36 feet, using digital and standard 35mm film projectors, in a field accommodating 400 vehicles.

The screen, projection booth, food and beverage stands, and box office will be completely portable. Martin and Vastola are partnering with Chicago-based Media Monster to open the theater.

Tickets will sell for $7 for adults, while children ages 2 to 11, members of the military, senior citizens and college students can get in for $5. Children under 2 get in free.

Walk-ins are welcome at the theater, Vastola said, though he suggested people to remember a portable radio. An FM stereo transmitter will transmit the sound to radios.

People are encouraged to bring their own food if they'd like, Vastola said, though there will be a concession stand available.

Drive-in on the way
The first movies at the new drive-in theater will be shown Friday night.

By MICHELE CANTY
Daily Record/Sunday News

The movie screen looked like a big, black garbage bag when it was rolled out on the floor of the Toyota Arena on Sunday evening.

Despite its humble beginnings, the screen would become the background on which comedies, dramas and movies of other genres would be played at the new York Drive-In Theatre at York Expo Center.

On Sunday, the companies behind the joint venture gave the inflatable screen a test run, laying out the large screen and inflating it in one of the vast rooms of the Toyota Arena.

About 10 people had to pull and tug at it to get it into place. The loud buzz of a blower filled the empty space as air rushed into the black screen, making it billow like a sheet.

After it was full, the movie screen resembled a super-sized air mattress. Those building it left it laying on its side, because they didn't have all its pieces on hand, but were satisfied that it had filled up as it should.

When set up for a movie, it would stand up from its own leverage, then be anchored by ropes. It will have two screens - one to project the movie and the other side to show ads to cars driving on Carlisle Avenue.

"It's breathtaking," said Ronald Vastola, vice president of Exclusive Collectibles Inc., one of the companies behind the new drive-in.

At 36 feet high and 60 feet long, the MediaMonster screen is one of the largest portable screens in the United States, Vastola said. The screen will be set up in the open field near the expo center grandstand.

The drive-in can hold 400 cars and some viewers in grandstand seats. People with lawn chairs and blankets are also welcome, organizers said.

As for its first movies, Vastola couldn't say what they were Sunday but said, "I'll just say that I'm a big fan of Superman and that I like talking cars."

New drive-in to pull into York
The York Expo Center will house the return of an American pastime.

By JASON COX
Daily Record/Sunday News

Jul 1, 2006 - The days of listening to movies through your stereo are back as the York Expo Center will be the home for a new drive-in movie theater opening this summer.

"There's a market for this, and people really miss the drive-ins," said Ronald Vastola, vice president of the York County-based Exclusive Collectibles Inc., one of the companies behind the new venture. "This was something that was taken away, and now it's coming back."

The York Drive-In Theatre will show a mix of mainstream films such as "Superman Returns," "Over the Hedge" and "Cars," along with Christian and inspirational films. No film will exceed a PG-13 rating.

"We're just trying to promote family values, and these films aren't necessarily religious, just movies with messages that are good to pass on to children and families," Vastola said. "We want to keep it family-oriented."

A grand opening date has not been set but will be announced soon, according to Vastola. Along with business partner Raymond Martin, Vastola worked closely with York Expo Center marketing coordinator Steve Bohn during the last few months to illuminate the often-dark grounds.

"We have ample space to utilize around here, and most of the grounds go unused for the majority of year," Martin said. "A drive-in movie theater fits right in with the nostalgic past of the fairgrounds, where we've been and where we're going."

Cars will park on the grandstand infield, but moviegoers will have the option of sitting in the stands themselves.

Films will be shown in a double-feature package, with the newer movies being "sub-run," meaning they will usually arrive at the drive-in two to three weeks after they hit first-run theaters.

Plans call for films to be shown Wednesday through Sunday until Labor Day, and Fridays and Saturdays in September and October. The theater will then close for the season and reopen next spring.

Ticket prices will be $7 for adults and $5 for seniors, children, students and active military.

The drive-in will make use of both digital and 35mm projectors, allowing for maximum versatility of the films that can be shown. The screen, which will be provided by the Ohio-based MediaMonster, will be inflatable and portable, measuring 60 feet by 36 feet.

The grounds will be able to accommodate about 400 vehicles, although there will be space for a second screen, should the need arise, adding 300 extra spaces if necessary. Sound will be transmitted via the airwaves to car stereos.

"We've been working with this concept for the past three months, so it came together really quick," Vastola said. "Due to available technology, we were able to do it in such a quick time frame."

Despite the virtual extinction of drive-ins today, Bohn believes a mix of nostalgia along with being the only venue of its kind in the area will lead the York Drive-In Theatre to the high road of success.

"It's the fact that you don't have many drive-ins around anymore," he said. "It's something we all grew up with. I'd find it hard to believe that someone 30-plus-years-old didn't go to a drive-in at least once."

Drive-in planned at Expo
Portable theater to serve up to 400 cars

CHARLES SCHILLINGER The York Dispatch
Article Last Updated: 06/30/2006 11:03:59 AM EDT

Two locals are taking their fascination for anything vintage to a new level by opening a drive-in movie theater this summer at the York Expo Center.

The owners of Exclusive Collectibles, Raymond Martin and Ronald Vastola, will turn the infield of the fairgrounds into a portable drive-in theater showing family-oriented new releases and classics.

"We wanted a drive-in theater without having to build the screen into the ground," Vastola said. "We thought, wouldn't it be neat to have a portable theater. So we put our heads together and came up with this concept."

Exclusive Collectibles is a producer and distributor of trading cards signed by celebrities. It's partnering with Chicago-based Media Monster to open the drive-in theater this summer.

No date set: No exact date has been set for the theater opening, Vastola said, but they plan to operate Wednesday through Sunday and through the fall, re-opening in spring 2007.

"It's a very nostalgic thing, drive-in theaters," Vastola said. "They're closing all over the country, but here it's coming back. And we think people want it again."

Drive-in theaters have declined in popularity and have had difficulty staying in business with soaring real estate prices. By having a portable theater, Vastola said, they've solved that problem.

When the theater opens, it will project movies on a screen 60 feet-by-36 feet, using both digital and standard 35mm film projectors, in a field accommodating 400 vehicles. The screen, projection booth, food and beverage stands and box office will be completely portable.

An FM stereo transmitter will
transmit the sound directly to car stereos or handheld radios.

A second screen could be added for up to another 300 vehicles in the future, Vastola said.

"Eventually, we may even show select pay per views and sporting events by obtaining a public performance satellite license via Direct TV," he said.

Good use of space: Cres Ottemiller confirmed the theater is coming soon. He's entertainment chair for the York County Agricultural Society, which oversees the fairgrounds.

"It certainly will be a good use of our property during the warmer weather time," he said.

Vastola said no movie shown will exceed the PG-13 rating. The theater will also show Christian movies distributed by the Christiano Film Group.

There is a market for R-rated films, Vastola admitted, but if people want to see those movies, they'll have to go elsewhere.

"We are specifically trying to promote a family atmosphere," he said.

-- Reach Charles Schillinger  cschillinger@yorkdispatch.com.

DRIVE-INS ARE MAKING A COMEBACK
Drive-In Movie Theatre is Coming to The York Fairgrounds

A drive-in movie theatre is scheduled to open this summer in York County at The York Fairgrounds & Expo Center. Ronald M. Vastola, vice president of the company that will help operate the theatre, said the theatre will be called York Drive-In Theatre. 

Due to the availability of modern technology, drive-in movie theatres can be efficiently installed at virtually any location, Vastola said. The theatre will show current released films including classics such as “Superman The Movie”, Vastola said. Drive-in spectators can also expect to witness up and rising Christian movies, offering the very best inspirational, evangelistic and spiritually challenging stories produced and distributed by Christiano Film Group, Inc.

“Today, the visual media is such a powerful means of communication. We use it extensively at Friendship Community Church. I am excited that the York Drive-In Theatre will feature inspirational and spiritually challenging films that will strengthen and entertain families. I look forward to the day when we can be inspired with positive stories and role models in secular, as well as, sacred films. I hope the York Drive-In Theatre is successful in its inaugural phase this summer and into the future,” said Pastor Dennis H. Hall, Senior Pastor of Friendship Community Church. 

When the theatre opens, it will project movies on a giant screen that is 60 feet by 36 feet, utilizing both digital and standard 35mm film projectors, in a field that can accommodate approximately 400 vehicles. A second screen could be added to entertain approximately 300 more vehicles, Vastola said. “Eventually, we may even show select pay per views and sporting events by obtaining a public performance satellite license via Direct TV. We will have the technology and commercial rights to achieve this goal,” Vastola said. 

The screen, projection booth, food & beverage stand, and box office will be completely portable. The theatre will have the ability to move on and off the premises of the fairgrounds, Vastola said. A professional FM stereo transmitter will transmit the audio sound directly into your car stereo or hand-held radio. 

“Our Country, at one time, featured thousands of drive-ins, and today, only a handful of drive-ins remain due to the increasing prices of real estate and rapid development. The York Drive-In Theatre is bringing something back that was sadly taken away from us,” said Matt Hayes, Senior Recruiter, CSP, of TACWORLDWIDE companies. Fortunately, drive-ins are returning due to our collective desire for affordable family entertainment, nostalgia, and interest to share the drive-in experience with our younger generations, Vastola said. 

To help preserve the integrity and foundation of this drive-in, the York Drive-In Theatre at the Fairgrounds will be a family oriented business, exhibiting film entertainment that will never exceed the PG-13 rating... “This is our promise and guarantee”, Vastola said. 

Brad Webb, president of Media Monster and joined partner of the York Drive-In Theatre said the theatre is scheduled to operate Wednesday through Sunday, all the way into the fall of this year, and will re-open in spring of 2007 and beyond by popular demand.

Raymond A. Martin and Ronald M. Vastola are partners in Exclusive Collectibles, Inc., a York County-based producer and distributor of trading cards signed by celebrities. Exclusive Collectibles, Inc. and the Media Monster are teaming up to proudly present affordable family entertainment under the stars, located at the historical landmark of America's first and oldest fair, The York Fairgrounds, 334 Carlisle Avenue, York, PA 17404. The operation schedule may be subject to change due to demand and weather conditions. For updates and more information, you may visit www.USATheatres.com or call (717) 792-5223. 

For further information, contact usatheatres@yahoo.com.

Copyright 2008 USATheatres.com.  All rights reserved.