Howard County. The Drive-In. I was a youngster; no older than 12 years old. My hometown had a real drive-in movie theater. One of the last standing in the state of Arkansas. (Alas, it’s not anymore) But I remember when the weather would get warmer, my mom would take my brother, sister and me to the movie. Not every week. Just a few times. It was so special. My best friend’s parents were friends with the owners so we would sometimes entertain ourselves in the concession stand. I guess that happened when the movie wasn’t one I cared about seeing. I can smell that popcorn. I can see the “behind the counter” view of all that candy. Those people standing in line for Twizzlers and Dr. Pepper.  It was “old skool” …where you park beside posts, roll down your windows and use the headphones to listen to the movie. The soundtrack comes from your car radio if you’re lucky enough to get clear reception on the required station with no static. On static-y nights we just had to use a little more patience and imagination to enjoy what we were watching. I remember my dad told me when HE was young they’d sneak in several friends by hiding them in the trunk of a car. I’m sure he’s prayed for forgiveness since those rowdy high school days.

"The Outlaw" shows June 26

So I smiled when I heard about this event happening in Little Rock. An old ballroom, Dreamland Ballroom, is trying to gain support for a renovation and thus hosting a drive-in theater. Details can be seen here and though I don’t recognize all those titles, I hope to attend at least one night. I know it won’t be the same, or near as good as my childhood memories. But I’ll still enjoy it because you never outgrow sitting under the stars, watching a movie, and getting mosquito bites.