Drive-in movie night returns to Martin County Fairgrounds with ‘Grease’
Jump in your sin wagons, but don’t get stranded at the drive-in.
Martin County, which started a new drive-in movie series at its fairgrounds at the end of last year, returns this month with the nostalgic version of entertainment.
For $5, quarantine crews can watch “Grease” on a 20-foot LED screen from the safety of their vehicles at 7:30 p.m. March 26. Arrive before showtime for food and beverage trucks and a classic car show starting at 5:30 p.m.
Martin County kicked off its drive-in movie series with “A Christmas Story” Dec. 18 and “The Karate Kid” Jan. 29, but took a break in February during the Martin County Fair.
More:Martin County Fair revamped for COVID
It’s the second drive-in movie venue that has popped up on the Treasure Coast during the coronavirus pandemic.
The first local drive-in movie venue, Treasure Coast Park and Watch, began almost a year ago at the Causeway Cove Marina in Fort Pierce as a way to have fun but stay as safe as possible from spreading COVID-19.
“We wanted to do something safe for the community to get out because everybody is stir-crazy,” said Connie DeGolier, one of Treasure Coast Park and Watch’s organizers.
More:Drive-in movie night returns as new outdoor cinema
Here’s what you need to know about Martin County’s drive-in movie night:
- Upon arrival, follow county staff directions on how to enter the event site safely and how to park in designated areas. The speed limit is 5 MPH. Stay inside your vehicles. Tickets are required for entry.
- RVs, campers and passenger vans aren’t permitted. You can bring up to the number of passengers that can be legally accommodated in your vehicle, but not more than 10 passengers.
- Oversized vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, will be placed on the outskirts and toward the back of the event site so they don’t obstruct the view of the screen.
- Parking in the driving aisles or outside of your designated area is prohibited. Turn off your engine and headlights while parked. All vehicles are required to remain in their designated areas with their engines off until the event ends and county staff initiates the departure. If a passenger has a condition that may require an emergency exit, notify staff upon arrival.
- Bring chairs and blankets to be used outside your vehicle. You will be required to stay within your designated area with your group during the entire event. Chairs and blankets are the only items allowed outside your vehicle.
- Don’t sit on top of your vehicle. You can sit in the bed of a truck or in the back of a hatchback. Don’t extend your hatchback or liftback above the roofline of your vehicle so you don’t obstruct others’ views.
- Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask or cloth face covering and maintain social distancing if a trip to the restroom is necessary.
- Food service and concessions will be available on site. Information on how to orderwill be given upon arrival.
“We strive to provide a safe environment for your family to enjoy,” according to Martin County’s website. “Help us by continuing to make knowledgeable and prudent decisions about healthy habits to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and by following social distancing guidelines during the event.”
Drive-in Movie Series
- What: “Grease” 1978 (PG)
- When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 26 (gates open 5:30 p.m.)
- Where: Martin County Fairgrounds, 2616 S.E. Dixie Highway, Stuart
- Cost: $5 per vehicle
- Website: martin.fl.us/PRDEvents
Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Follow her on Twitter at@TCPalmLaurie or Facebook atfaceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.
