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The Twilight 280 Drive-In opens in Harpersville

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HARPERSVILLE, Ala. – Who doesn’t like going to the movies? Popcorn, a soda, your date, friends, or family…and your favorite actor on the big, silver screen. Sounds like a perfect outing, right?

Well, not so much when it costs an arm and a leg to enjoy…and when you have to worry about suggestive themes in the movies.

The Twilight 280 Drive-In is changing the way you watch movies.

The former Harpersville Drive-In has re-opened under new management and new ownership creating an all-new experience at the picture show.

“I’ve never been involved with anything that seemed like it brought more excitement than this,” said owner Phillip Padgett.

The 12 acre drive-in, was bought by Padgett in August. By October, it was up and running…and has not stopped since.

“It has just been incredible…the excitement that has been brought to people within 25-30 miles,” he said.

Padgett said word of mouth, the marquee, and the drive-in’s Facebook page, is the main form of advertising. It also has a hotline (205-672-8484) moviegoers can call to find out what is playing.

“Most people come in their cars and don’t even sit in them. They take their chairs and put them in front of the cars, take a blanket, get bundled up, and watch the movie,” said Padgett.

Padgett prides himself, and his 35 mm films, on being family-friendly.

“This is for all ages. We are adamant to show family-friendly movies,” he said.

But what about that price? Oh, and what about food?

Padgett said no outside food or drink is allowed and alcohol is strictly prohibited. At $5 for adults, $4 for kids, and children three-and-under for free, Padgett said concessions won’t break your pocketbook either.

“You can get full meals here. Not just popcorn and candy,” he said, adding hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, ice cream can be also be found on the menu.

Through Christmas, the drive-in will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. During the Christmas season, a light show will be seen before the movies start. In the Spring and Summer, more nights will be added as well as more events. Padgett said a bluegrass festival is in the works for March and April as well as water-themed days during the Summer.

Ok, so…I’ve never been to a drive-in. How does it work?

Simple.

When you drive in (pun intended), you will be directed where to go…either to Screen 1 or Screen 2, depending on what movie is being played. Audience members will tune their car radios to the frequency designated by the Drive-In and the movie soundtrack will come through the car speakers.

How about a really good deal?

Padgett said if moviegoers bring their Sunday bulletin, everyone in the car will be admitted for $3 per person for a double feature.

“We need community support,” said Padgett. “We want to keep this going. It was something for many years was dying in the country.”

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Michael Brannon for SylacaugaNews.com | © 2016, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.


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