Big-screen scene: Drive-in is a place for families, friends see the stars -- and a show.

Publication: Herald & Review (Decatur, IL)

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COPYRIGHT 2006 Herald & Review

Byline: Dawn Schabbing

Jul. 30--JASPER COUNTY -- Whether it's a family with young children, retired friends, groups of young adults, or young lovers -- the drive-in can provide summer fun for all ages.

Recently at the Fairview Drive-In near Newton, 264 vehicles -- 784 patrons -- pulled down the gravel roadway and parked in front of the screen, anticipating the opening night of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest." The second feature that followed a 10-minute intermission was "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift."

"I've been looking forward to this movie for two years," said Renee Deimel, 19, of Newton. Deimel came to the movie with her brother, sister and two friends. "Last summer I was out here about every single weekend," she said. "It's a lot cheaper to come to the drive-in and we get a couple of hours' worth of new movies, and it gives us something to do."

As vehicles strategically line up in front of the 49-foot by 70-foot aluminum, white-primed screen, theater workers strive to accommodate as many vehicles as possible.

"We can fit between 250 and 300 cars comfortably," said Melody McGrath, of Charleston, who co-owns the Fairview with husband,...

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