The Town of Irricana is preparing to host its annual drive-in movie and car show this month after some stormy weather resulted in the cancellation of last year’s event.
With COVID-19 public health restrictions in mind, a modified version of the event went ahead in September 2020 that included social distancing and a double-header showing of classic drive-in themed movies Grease and American Graffiti.
Following the success of the inaugural event, a drive-in movie and parade was slated for the following September, but was cancelled because of a rainy forecast. Though the rain never did fall, the event still did not go ahead.
According to Town of Irricana CAO Barrie Hutchinson, the Town is hopeful a springtime drive-in and parade, scheduled for Saturday, May 14, will feature clear skies more suited for a show-and-shine, double-feature drive-in movie screening, and a full-on fireworks display.
“The event will kick off with a classic car parade that starts at 4:30 p.m. that will wind through town ending up on Main Street in front of Town Hall,” he said. “And then they’ll display the cars on the street.”
He added following the show-and-shine, the event will include a performance from Tacoma, a Canadian country-music band hailing from Calgary. Thereafter, a screening of How to Train your Dragon and Blues Brothers will get underway.
“Bring your car or lawn chair and have a good time,” Hutchinson said. “There’s downtown businesses participating with specials on snack and drinks and pizza.”
He added the evening fireworks display is set to kick off at dusk over Founders Park and a local hairdresser is planning to have a popcorn machine set up for attendees.
“I think she’s going to put it out in front of her store,” he said. “And then we’re hoping to get the beer garden up with the Lions Club.
“I don’t know whether we got the license yet or not, but I’m hoping to do that.”
He added a few elements of the event were still in the works as of press time, but with the help of volunteers, the event should be a success.
According to Hutchinson, the importance of the event cannot be understated for those who have been impacted by social isolation over the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“[It’s about] getting back out and seeing your friends that you haven’t seen for two years, it’s basically just a social event,” he said.
Considering the event was cancelled last fall, Hutchinson added he has his fingers crossed for pleasant weather this time around.
“2021, we got rained out, so hopefully everything’s going to be great this year,” he said.
“Sure enough, we’ll get rain now that we haven’t got enough rain for the farmers now,” he added with a laugh.
