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This weekend will mark one for the local history books – it’ll mark a 75-year goodbye to the historic Midway Drive-in, while also supporting Northumberland youth and families.
And there’s still time for you to get involved.
YMCA Northumberland’s “Encore at the Midway” is a two-day farewell fundraiser set to light up the former drive-in property between Cobourg and Port Hope this coming Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6. (The property was also previously known as the Port Hope Drive-in.)
“This event is more than two nights at the movies – it’s a weekend community celebration of the past and an investment in the future,” explains Eunice Kirkpatrick, YMCA Northumberland’s president and CEO. “We know people love the Midway – so do we.
“This is our way of giving it the send-off it deserves, while turning that love into life-changing support for local teens.”
Kirkpatrick tells us more about the difference the fundraiser will make in the community.
The “Back on Track” initiative is described as a “transformative program” for youth ages 12 to 17 and empowers at-risk youth to reclaim their future. The program has been helping local youth since 2021 in partnership with area schools, school boards and families.
In one testimonial, a parent says the program was “a lifeline.”
“When my daughter was suspended, we both felt lost,” reads the testimonial. “But what started as a punishment became a phenomenal opportunity.
“By the end of her suspension, she returned to school happier, stronger and more self-assured than I had seen her in a very long time.”
The other part of the weekend is about a proper send-off for the drive-in, which for decades served as a staple in the community.
To this end, the community, volunteers, service clubs – Rotarians and Lions – businesses, and more, have been rallying to put together the weekend, which also features everything from live entertainment to additional festivities in the lead up to the double-feature movie showings.
Rotary Club of Cobourg President Gord Ley tells us more.
At the same time, this is about celebrating – and giving back to – community, with all the funds raised supporting this wonderful program at the Y, echoes Ley.
To make the event as accessible as possible, organizers have also helped with subsidies for dozens of area families ahead of the big weekend, thanks to help from presenting sponsor Bin-it and Cut-it Ltd., and the through the Children’s Foundation working with its clients.
So what’s on the agenda for the weekend?
There will be free popcorn, food trucks, an array of eats – even lobster rolls, which is a first in drive-in theatre history – along with live performances, and more. The gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Kirkpatrick tells us more about the lineup before the movies.
Kirkpatrick notes a number of area partners are making all this possible.
“It’s going to be a good party,” adds Kirkpatrick.
The detailed rundown is accessible via the YMCA website but the movies on Friday include “the Jungle Book” and “Grease.” On Saturday, “the Lion King” plays first and then “Pirates of the Caribbean.” In between, there’s an intermission/half-time show Friday, the eats, live entertainment and the like, to create a “true festival atmosphere.”
Tickets are $125 per carload per night for up to eight people. Tickets are available at ymcanrt.org/encore and have a preferred parking option if purchased ahead of the weekend. General admission tickets will also be available at the gate.
Every ticket purchased helps change a young person’s future, notes the Y.
Attendees, interested volunteers and sponsors can learn more online.
MBC’s Classic Rock 107.9 and 93.3 myFM are also media sponsors for Encore at the Midway.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt, with files from Joseph Goden)
