Drive-in theatre in Carlyle reopens this long weekend to start 40th year

The Prairie Dog Drive-In Theatre in Carlyle is reopening this weekend, earlier than expected.

Owner Ray Boutin told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Wednesday he initially thought he would resume business during Phase 4 of the province’s plan to reopen the economy. That phase did not come with a timeline to resume operations.

After appealing to his MLA, Boutin received word on Friday the theatre would be allowed to operate starting this weekend.

“The theatre has been granted permission to open for May long weekend but that was accompanied with quite a number of guidelines to move forward in a safe manner that would ensure social distancing,” Boutin said.

Boutin said the drive-in will be working at half-capacity, which means only about 90 vehicles at a time. There will be protective screens and limits on how many people can purchase from the concession area at one time.

This weekend’s show will be Trolls World Tour.

The theatre is marking 40 years in business. It was originally built in 1980 and Boutin purchased it in 1997.

“It has become a staple in the area … and people look forward to it,” he said.

It’s a family-run enterprise. Boutin calls himself the “gate guy and general chief cook and bottle washer.” His wife and daughters work the concession, projector, clean up and marketing.

“Social media has helped immensely,” he said. “We used to run around hanging posters here and there, but now with social media, you get the word out so fast, it’s incredible.”