The Mahoning Drive-in Theater celebrated its 75th anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a double feature.

The theater changed hands a few times over the years. Today it is run by Virgil Cardamone, who is the owner, operator and curator.

“You know, that’s the beautiful thing, is this place has such an insanely rich history, and everybody that we meet has a story about the Mahoning Drive-In Theater locally,” Cardamone said. “So, this is such a meaningful space for so many people that grew up here, and still live here locally, and the fact that it’s become this international draw; a film Mecca, in the cinematic community.”

He added, “It’s an absolute honor and blessing, and at the same time, you know, the fact that out of necessity, we stuck with a 35 millimeter, and it’s become our absolute call, our sort of art.”

Finding 35 mm films is a bit of a challenge; but, one that Cardamone enjoys. Sometimes they get them from the studios, sometimes from libraries, and film collectors like to share their works with the drive-in.

“We are very analog, and I think that that lends to the atmosphere of an already nostalgic drive-in. People love the nostalgic part of it. It’s functioning just the same way it did on the day we opened in 1949.

The double feature included the very first film that was shown in the drive-in in 1949 called “April Showers,” starring Jack Carson, Ann Sothern and Robert Alda (Alan Alda’s father). It also includes some voicings by Mel Blanc. The film was shown on the very same projector it was shown on in 1949.

The second film was Jurassic Park, the first retro title shown at Mahoning just after the reopened 10 years ago and started the all-retro genre the theater has become known for all across the country.