by Jim & Megan Kopp, Owners
Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre
The Triangle area’s only remaining drive-in theatre and North Carolina’s oldest operating drive-in theatre turns 60 years old this coming Wednesday, July 15, 2009.
To celebrate its “60 years of magical movie moments under the stars”, a big anniversary event will be held at the theatre on Saturday, July 18, 2009 starting at 5:30 p.m. Events will include a ceremony marking the anniversary with keynote remarks from local leader James “Pete” O’Geary, Mayor of Henderson, state leader Michael Wray, NC House of Representatives, and national leader representative Betty Jo Shepard, representing Sen. Richard Burr’s office, who will read a proclamation and present a flag flown over the U.S. Capital to the theatre.
In addition, patrons will hear stories and tales from current and previous owners. Stories will also be told by patrons of the theatre, and music will by played by a live band named “KILLER-FILLER”.
During the celebration, you can chomp down on ribs and chicken from Texas Roadhouse of Wake Forest. Children will be entertained by BOHO THE CLOWN, who will bring his bounce house and train and CRAFTS ON WHEELS, which will have crafts for all age children.
Classic cars will be in attendance with three classic car clubs (TIMELESS CRUIZERS of Efland, NC, TAR RIVER CRUIZERS of Henderson, NC, and SUFFOLK RODS & MUSCLE CARS from Suffolk, VA) participating. In addition, at least one historic and original CORBITT TRUCK, which was assembled in Henderson will be present.
Theatre patrons will also enjoy a trivia contest with prizes and eat pieces of the theatre’s anniversary cake and home-made ice cream. Fireworks will erupt at dusk, followed by the big movie blockbuster: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince on the theatre’s large 60’ by 80’ screen.
On Friday, July 17, 2009 the theatre will be filmed by The Travel Channel for an upcoming show entitled “AMERICA’S #1 HIGHWAY from MAINE TO FLORIDA” which will highlight landmarks from the original US 1.
The Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre is located at 3336 Raleigh Road, (Business US 1) in Henderson, North Carolina. The theatre website is: www.raleighroaddrivein.com. The theatre movie line is 252.438.6959.