Outdoor movie experiences are revived at the Starlite Drive-in

Drive-in theaters are something we have heard of and maybe even gone to, but that was decades ago. However, one theater is coming back. The Starlite Drive-In, located on the outskirts of Litchfield, reopened in 1998. It currently welcomes visitors from all over the state. “Many people enjoy coming to the theater,” said owner Tim Eiler. “In Minnesota, we sit inside cooped up for nine months of the year, it is nice to come to the drive-in and sit outside.” Movie-goers vary from people that love seeing outdoor movies to those that have never seen a movie outside. Either way, visitors see the drive-in as a special treat. Eiler explained that drive-in junkies pride themselves on how many outdoor theaters they have attended. Many of these people trek to Litchfield to see a movie at the Starlite. “These people say they really like [Starlite],” Eiler explained. “They really like the multiple screens and the fact that there are more choices.” Eiler explained that most drive-ins only have one screen. Sometimes, movie-goers will even drive up in their antique cars for more of an authentic feel of a night out at the movies. There are also visitors that have never been to an outdoor theater, particularly children. “Parents like to show their kids a drive-in and have them watch movies here,” Eiler said. A star-lit dream After working in theaters for 28 years, Eiler said he has always dreamed of opening his own theater. He learned that the Starlite theater was vacant and approached the owners about buying it. It took Eiler many attempts before they agreed to sell. His dream became a reality when he purchased Starlite in February 1998. “The original screen was still standing, [which allowed me to open the theater sooner],” Eiler said. Eiler opened Starlite on July 1, 1998. He has added one screen each year since opening. Cur-rently, Starlite has five screens. An endangered species Drive-in movies have been slowly dying out. At one point, the state had 80 different drive-in theaters and now there are only five left besides Starlite – two are in the Twin Cities area, one in Luverne, Long Prairie and Hallock.    “Many people thank me for reopening the theater,” Eiler said. Every night, Starlite shows 10 different movies on the five screens. Movie-goers tune their car radios into the Dolby sound system and watch from their car. Visitors can also bring lawn chairs, blankets and radios to watch from the large, grassy areas in front of each screen. Starlite Theater is located outside of Litchfield. Once in Litchfield, follow Highway 12 out of town (north) and turn right onto Hwy. 22. The theater is located on the left side of the road. Starlite opens at dusk (around 9 p.m.) and movies start around 9:30 p.m. Admission prices are $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 6-12, and children under 5 are free. Each admission price is for two shows. For information on what movies are showing call the movie hotline at (320) 693-6990.