Are you ready for a night out at the movies in Cowichan?
You’re in luck. Fresh Air Cinema is bringing Onward and The Lion King to the big screen at the Cowichan Exhibition June 5 and 6.
As the summer season begins, Fresh Air Cinema is partnering with FortisBC to offer families a way to enjoy a night out with their loved ones while staying safe in light of COVID-19 with a pop-up drive-in theatre. They are heading to more than 30 communities in the province, starting with Duncan, at the Cowichan Exhibition grounds. All events will be free or free by donation with 100 per cent of proceeds going to a local charity in each community.
“In a time when we’ve had to adapt to physical distancing, and when so many families and friends have been forced to spend time alone in their homes, we’re excited to once again bring the joy of drive-in movies to families across the province,” said Jason Bashnick, managing director, Fresh Air Cinema. “These offer a place where we can all connect safely and watch our favourite stories on screen under a starlit sky. It’s also a unique experience that allows family members to crunch homemade popcorn and slurp soda as loud as they like without bothering the people around them.”
This will be the 14th year Fresh Air Cinema has been bringing the year’s greatest movie releases along with cult classics to parking lots and outdoor venues throughout the province. The events also raise money to support a variety of local community organizations.
They’ve adapted their format this year to make sure it aligns with the current COVID-19 social distancing guidelines set by health authorities. For now, this includes limiting attendance to 50 vehicles, encouraging people to stay in their vehicles unless visiting the restrooms and other measures so that people can enjoy their experience while physical distancing. A full list of all social distancing guidelines will be available on Eventbrite where you can get your ticket.
The drive-in theatres are made possible through a partnership with FortisBC.
“Supporting Fresh Air Cinema is one of the ways we’re able to connect with and give back to the communities we serve,” said Alicia Hearn, program manager of conservation education and outreach, FortisBC. “While we typically use these opportunities to speak with people about energy conservation, we just want to focus on helping to provide a great opportunity for families to enjoy time together in a safe manner.”
Community fundraising partner Coastal Community Credit Union will be matching (up to $2,000) of the donations collected from these events. All donations are going to Nourish Cowichan, who are providing weekly food hampers to vulnerable families.
Tickets for Cowichan will go live at 5 p.m. on Monday, June 1 via Eventbrite. Movies start at dusk (about 9:15 p.m.), with gates opening at 8:15 p.m.
For more information about how to get tickets and when new dates/locations will be added please stay tuned into Fresh Air Cinema’s Facebook Page (Outdoor Movies BC) for further event announcements or visit www.freshaircinema.ca.