The Nicola Valley Rodeo Association (NVRA) is bringing back their Drive-In movie nights, with two shows scheduled for Sept. 24 and Sept. 25.
Last year, Fresh Air Cinema, in partnership with Fortis BC, travelled the province hosting family friendly, socially distanced outdoor movie events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s the businesses of Merritt that are sponsoring it this time,’ said Gert Leslie, a representative for NVRA.
Thanks to generous donations from HUB International Insurance, RBC Merritt, RE/MAX Merritt, Windy Hills Ranch, and Surerus Murphy, to name a few, the mobile Drive-In theatre will be playing Raya and the Last Dragon on Sept. 24 and Jumanji: Next Level on Sept. 25.
“Last year we were restricted to 50 cars, this year we’re not,” explained Leslie.
“Last year we couldn’t have a concession, but Fresh Air Cinema said that most people are opening their concession stands this year, because it’s no longer against the health regulations for COVID.”
The NVRA is also looking for volunteers to assist with the event, including with parking and running the front gate, which will also be an onsite location for tickets.
“Admission is all by donation, and there will be online sales through Fresh Air Cinema, but the COVID rules are no longer preventing us from having gate admission as well for people that want to pay cash or don’t want to buy ahead,” said Leslie.
Last year, the recommended donation was $30 per carload, the proceeds of which will go to the ongoing operating costs of the rodeo grounds.
“It will go towards the support and maintenance and insurance at the rodeo grounds, because we were so limited in the last two years of what we’ve been able to do for fundraising,” said Leslie.
Raya and the Last Dragon is an animated Disney movie released earlier this year.
Jumanji: The Next Level is a live action fantasy adventure comedy film featuring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
