By DON STINE
A temporary drive-in movie theatre is being set up in Ocean Township’s Joe Palaia Park, with the first movie scheduled to be shown toward the end of this month.
“The movie will be shown in the new bandshell in Palaia Park. A promo on the screen will tell viewers to turn on a certain FM radio channel to hear the film. Kids can also view the movie on their tablets,” Mayor Christopher Siciliano said.
He said it was hoped that the drive-in could be launched on May 14 “but it has been pushed back to the end of May.”
He said the movie will offer a “little mental stress relief. People have lockdown anxiety and hopefully this will go a long way to alleviate that.”
It is expected there will be a high demand to watch the movie so a sign-in sheet will created to control any crowd.
“There are only so many cars we can handle. The movie is free but we have not decided which one will be shown yet. We will create a list and let residents decide,” Siciliano said.
People will have to remain in their cars, which are spaced about 15 feet apart, and they are encouraged to bring their own snacks and beverages. Aisle ushers will guide the cars into a designated parking spot. There will also be port-a-potties at the site.
“I think this is something we can do together- to use the park safely and keeping our distance but also get a much-needed night out,” Siciliano said.
He said that if the first drive-in movie is a success then more may be planned. He said administrators from other communities have been contacting the township seeking more information about the drive-in movie concept.
Featured image: Vintage drive-in theater photo from the Library of Congress
