McHenry Outdoor Theater begins daily showings Friday; kicks off getaway contest
Starting Friday, the McHenry Outdoor Theater in Lakemoor switches from being open weekends only to operating seven days a week with a double feature of “The Garfield Movie” and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.”
“It’s going to be an especially exciting summer season,” said Scott Dehn, owner. “And the fun once again will continue through the fall and into December, like last year.”
Several first-run films, including “Inside Out 2” (June 21), “Despicable Me 4” (July 3), “Deadpool & Wolverine” (July 26), “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (Sept. 6), and much more, will screen at the outdoor theater on 1510 Chapel Hill Road.
New this year: Patrons can enter a getaway contest with a chance to win a $6,000 Universal Studios vacation.
The Movies Make Memories Getaway will include round-trip airfare, four nights at the Cabana Bay Resort, four-day park-to-park passes good for both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks, plus round-trip airport transfers for two adults and two children — with the ability to upgrade the length of stay, the resort and the number of guests at the winner’s expense.
The giveaway is a joint venture between the theater, The Bremer Team-Keller Williams Success Realty and Worldwide Traveler.
For Worldwide Traveler, the giveaway is part of its 40th anniversary celebration, said Darrellynn Hanes, president.
“We are so happy to be a part of this wonderful sweepstakes to help send a family to Universal Orlando,” Hanes said. “Creating travel memories is what we do best.”
Dawn Bremer is owner and president of The Bremer Team, which two years ago formed a business partnership with the outdoor theater that has led to extensive renovations of the concession building. Now known as the Bremer Team Taphouse and Snack Bar, choices there include pizza, treats from Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, beer, wine, soft drinks, and popcorn.
“We just want to spread joy and hope that it’s contagious,” Bremer said hopeful that the getaway excitement builds as the season goes on.
Dehn said he’s thrilled to add another element of suspense to moviegoers’ experience.
“I’ve always wanted this place to be more than just a movie theater,” he said. “I’m always trying to find ways to increase the content of what visitors receive for the price of admission, and getaway prize eligibility is one way to do that.”
Ten names will be drawn each month starting in June and continuing into December. Of the 70 who gain eligibility, the grand prize winner will be drawn in December, and will have until December 2025 to use the getaway. Full contest details will be posted soon on all three businesses’ websites, as well as on their Facebook pages, the officials said.
For theater ticket pricing, carload specials, movie schedules and other information, visit goldenagecinemas.com. Also visit worldwidetraveler.net and bremerteam.com for the latest getaway news and eligibility opt-in opportunities.