The Orillia Square mall is hosting a drive-in movie night Friday, Oct 30.
A 4K projector and a 40-foot inflatable screen will be set up in the mall's back parking lot where the 2011 animated romantic comedy Gnomeo & Juliet will be screened.
The movie will start at 7 p.m. and because it’s an actual production film that is being screened, the mall, legally, must charge admission. As a result the cost will be $20 per carload.
“We will be donating that money to charity," said Laura Day, property administrator, retail services at the Orillia Square mall.
The event can accommodate 150 cars and interested participants are asked to register by calling the mall (705-325-2366) or sending them a message on their Facebook Page.
The idea for hosting the event springs from frustration over the cancellation of their popular March break family fun events due to the pandemic.
“We were looking to have an awesome event to engage with our community and give them a great time,” Day said.
Day says this year has been tough on families in the community with all the cancellations caused by the pandemic. With the safety of trick-or-treating still up for debate, the movie night gives families a fun, alternative way to celebrate Halloween, she said.
“You can come and get your snacks at No Frills and for the first 50 cars, we are going to have goodie bags for them,” Day said.
Day says the mall is gauging interest in this drive-in event, and if it’s successful, it could be something they host more frequently.
