Nestled away in Lehighton is a historic, safe, family-oriented outdoor venue.

A large classic sign with a big red arrow just off Route 443 will help direct you toward the Mahoning Drive-In Theatre.

With recreational activities limited under the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mahoning Drive-In might be just the ticket for your entertainment needs.

The drive-in has many events coming up, including an expanded programming schedule.

Mahoning has partnered with Exhumed Films from Philadelphia to add “Tunnel Vision Tuesdays” to its lineup.

“We have also newly partnered with Troma Entertainment to host their annual TromaDance this year, which we are calling Troma-Thon, said J.T. Mills, the Production Designer and Set Decorator at Mahoning. “Lloyd Kaufman, the producer, director, and co-founder of Troma, will be in attendance for that.”

A lot to offer

Mahoning will be offering something for all tastes.

“We will also have some new features, as well as classics like ‘The Toxic Avenger,’?” Mills said. “We are doing a Batman retrospective called Bat-Mania, which was inspired by the recent passing of Joel Schumacher, as well as the new rumors circulating that Michael Keaton would be returning to the Batman role in a ‘Flashpoint’ movie.”

An experience like no other - Mahoning is the last drive-in anywhere in the country that offers only 35 mm retro programming, except on rare occasions when it’s required to go digital.

“We have an open-door policy to give guests a unique look inside the projection room to talk to our owner and projectionist, Jeff Mattox, and see how the whole process works,” said Mills. “We also strive to break that fourth wall between film and reality and put on an immersive experience that often includes themed sets, photo ops, and cosplayers.

“That is predominantly what I do at the theater to give our fans a more memorable experience than they’d have going to any regular multiplex.”

The theater had to make some recent changes to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

There are a limited number of tickets that can be sold each weekend. Patrons cannot enter the concession stand, but there is a safe way to order food and pick it up.

Social-distancing rules are in effect and masks must be worn when walking around the venue.

“Talk about the definition of irony that when we started this retro venture we were told by the studios that we couldn’t survive showing nothing but classic movies, and now in order to survive, every drive-in is showing nothing but classic movies,” Mills said.

“It’s amazing to see drive-ins become popular again, however, it’s just unfortunate it had to be because of these circumstances. I hope people remember to support their local drive-ins once this pandemic is behind us.”

National appearance

The drive-in made a surprise appearance during a July 4 celebratory montage on CNN, as Barry Manilow sang “When the Good Times Come Again” as fireworks filled the sky above the United States.

“It’s amazing that a little endeavor among friends and film fans in rural Pennsylvania has captured the hearts and minds of so many,” said Mahoning’s Audio & Video Expert, Mark Nelson. “From Al Monelli’s ‘At the Drive-In’ documentary sharing our story with the rest of the country, to CNN sharing a glimpse of us to the world.”

Nelson drives over six hours every weekend to be at Mahoning. Mills gave the entire staff kudos.

“Our staff is made up of equally devoted and passionate film buffs who all contribute their own unique qualities to the drive-in,” Mills said. “It’s a really rare business where we all actually want to be there, feel free to share our ideas, and work together for the benefit of the theater. It’s more like a troupe than a staff, as many of us travel from different parts of the northeast to be there.”

There are plenty of exciting events and shows on tap scheduled at Mahoning over the next few months, culminating with a big Halloween event in October. Visit mahoningdit.com or the Mahoning Drive-In Theater Facebook page for more information.