Community Corner

Fright, Fun and Movies: Hundreds Expected to Flock to Halloween at the Drive-In

The Southington Drive-In will transform into a ghoulish autumn playground Saturday as the popular Halloween spectacular returns for a second year.

Three years ago, members of the Southington Drive-In Committee came up with an idea. They wanted to find a way to provide a unique Halloween opportunity for both families and adults, to give children an autumn festival of their own and to show a later, R-rated movie for adults.

With that the Halloween at the Drive-In was born. Alas, the first year was cancelled after an unexpected snowstorm wreaked havoc on town, but in a second attempt in 2012 the event drew out nearly 1,000 participants.

Halloween at the Drive-In returns on Saturday for a second straight year and Dawn Miceli, member of the committee, said they anticipate it will be the largest event at the Southington Drive-In to date.

“This is really an event that incorporates the entire community. You’d be hard pressed to find a better deal for families because so much is offered and it’s just one slow cost per carload,” Miceli said. “It’s an event that is still new and yet it continues to grow.”

Events like this are what set the Southington Drive-In apart. It is the only town-owned drive-in facility in the U.S. – and Miceli said they plan to take advantage.

Saturday’s event will include hayrides, face painting, pony rides, decorate a pumpkin, Touch-A-Truck opportunities, “Trunk-or-Treat” and more. It has been expanded to include two separate tractors for the hayrides after interest last year, committee member Michael Riccio said. Riccio will be driving one of the tractors, donated along with a variety of other items by Lewis Farms.

The evening will finish off with two movies, including Monsters Inc. for families at 6 p.m. and a brief break before Amityville Horror for adults at 8 p.m.

“We expect it to be a great night and are looking forward to seeing everyone come out,” Miceli said.

Tickets are $10 per car for in town residents and $13 for out-of-town visitors. Gates open at 2 p.m. and space available on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit the Southington Drive-In on Facebook by clicking the link provided.

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