See movies to help save McHenry Outdoor Theater

Submitted by Drive to Stay Alive

Saturday, Aug. 24, is Super Hero Night at the McHenry Outdoor Theater, and the fun will begin even before customers claim a parking spot.

More than a dozen super heroes from Costumers for a Cause will greet people on their way in, said Brian Grams, director of the Volo Auto Museum, which has joined forces with the outdoor theater and radio station 102.3 XLC this summer in the Outdoor’s “Drive to Stay Alive.”

“The Aug. 24 drive-in event is turning into something really big,” Grams said. “Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Spiderman, Superman and others will be mingling within the crowd and available to pose for a memorable family photo. Lots of people are chipping in to make it an unforgettable night.”

The showing will be “Man of Steel” and “Dark Knight” at the outdoor movie theater, 1510 Chapel Hill Road, north of Route 120, on McHenry’s east side. The drawing for the “Man of Steel” pickup truck donated by the Volo Auto Museum will take place at intermission. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m.

Volo will display its Batmobile and Black Beauty from “The Green Hornet.” KITT from the 2008 Knight Rider TV series will be there as well. Added to all of that, 102.3 XLC will be doing a live broadcast.

The truck giveaway promotion and Super Hero Night are part of an overall effort to save the drive-in, which must invest about $130,000 in a new digital projector and projector booth upgrades, lest it be left in the dust when movie studios stop issuing movies on film.

Theater owner Scott Dehn said that is a move that studios have been insisting is imminent for the past couple of years.

Dehn added that fundraising is continuing, and the promotion has been effective in raising awareness.

“I would say (attendance) has been a good 20-percent better than any of the best years that I can remember,” said Dehn, who bought the theater in 2012 after six years as its manager. “I think remaining open is doable.”

Admission is $10 per adult, $5 for children ages 11 and younger. For information on the event, find “Super Hero Night” on Facebook.

For details on Volo Auto Museum, find it on Facebook or visit www.volocars.com. For information on the McHenry Outdoor Theater, find it on Facebook or visit www.goldenagecinemas.com.