Remember when you went to the movies to see a sci-fi feature? For the past few months, it’s felt more like we’ve been living in one.

“I think people are very anxious to get out of their house. People haven’t really known what to do,” said Paul Dean, the owner of Vintage Drive-in in Avon.

Like most businesses, his has been closed since March.

“There is no business classification for drive-in theaters,” he said. “We kind of fall under the theater category, but we are an outside business. Some people are in their cars. It’s a very unique situation.”

Just days ago, he was informed he’d be allowed to reopen. As part of Governor Cuomo’s phase one for reopening, drive-ins were allowed to resume business. Dean has already implemented new safety measures.

“Cars will be doubled space, at least in the beginning,” he said. “Give people a lot of extra room. Give people the sense it will be more safe for them.”

He encourages families to come enjoy a night at the theater, but to come early.

“We will only be at half capacity,” he said. “We think, at some point, we will sell out. We’ll wait and see.”

Ordering food from the concession stand will also be a little different.

“We are going to have people order via our website app,” he said. “They can order and pick up food outside our window, so it’s pretty much a touch-less situation.”

And if you need to use the restroom?

“We are going to closely monitor our bathrooms,” said Dean. “We are only going to let a few people in at a time, and we’re going to clean them in regular intervals.”

Dean says the drive-in is making safety preparations now and will be open on Thursday, May 21st.

As for what’s playing, that is still being decided. Dean says to check the drive-in’s website for listings soon.

— 13 WHAM