FREEDOM, WI (WTAQ) – During its peak, back in the 50’s and 60’s, Wisconsin was home to more than 60 drive-in theaters.
Families would pile into the car, or station wagon, and enjoy a warm summer night watching the movies.
Most of those drive-ins are gone now….either closed or demolished.
But a handful still exist, some even thrive, including one in an Outagamie County cornfield, practically in the middle of nowhere.
It’s Saturday night and just about showtime for one of the most popular, yet definitely old school, movie experiences in NE Wisconsin.
“Once again we’d like to thank everyone for coming out to the Field of Scenes…we hope you enjoy the show.”
That’s Taylor Vande Wettering, owner, operator, short order cook, sometimes even dead battery jumper, at the Field of Scenes Drive-In Theater in Freedom.
On this night War For The Planet Of Apes……and Spiderman Homecoming….are among the big attractions on the Drive-Ins 2 screens.
Taylor, and his sister Brittni, have been in charge here for the past couple of years….since their parents sold them the business.
Mom and Dad remembered how much they enjoyed the drive-in experience as kids, so they opened the place up in 2003.
Taylor has been there ever since…..
“I was 7 years old. I started when I was 7 picking up garbage and doing stuff and now I’m here.”
And yes, there were days when he didn’t like it.
“There was a period of time when you’re teenager and all your friends have the weekend and nights off and you’re stuck here on the weekends.”
Not so much anymore….Now, Taylor appreciates the charm and family appeal watching the movies under the stars..on a warm summer night, brings.
But before Taylor hits the switch and starts the movie ….the staff of 25 – to – 30 employees man their battle stations.
Tonight….up to 500 cars, trucks, SUV’s and Mini-Vans will pass by.
“We have people that bring in couches, air mattresses. We even have some limos come, RV’s.”
And security man Dave Cash will make sure every vehicle fits…. and still maintains a little personal space.
“As long as you can open your doors, both cars doors can open that’s as far as we want you to park.”
Inside the Concession stand, Manager Brianna Lyons makes sure everyone knows their battle station.
Brianna has been working here through her high school years and even now that she’s in college.
“Seeing all the customers and the atmosphere that comes in. We get lines out the doors and some people find that hectic and crazy. I find that’s cool.”
But there’s more to this gig than making sure everyone knows their job, and the food orders are taken care of.
“People falling asleep. It’s amazing how many people are asleep after the movies are done and we have to go wake them up and tell them the movies are done….it’s time to go.”
Mini-golf, volleyeball….and pretty good pizza are among the things that keep the customers busy before it gets dark and the movies begin.
Sandra Pagel comes over from Neenah pretty regularly.
“Been taking my grandkids since they were small. Now she’s 16. her mother doesn’t come along. This is mine and her thing to do.”
She also appreciates the family atmosphere at Field of Scenes. Tonight, Sandra invited her friend Kristen and Kristen’s kids.
“That’s why we came here. My girls are excited…they’ve never seen. They were really kind of confused how it’s going to work so…..it will be exciting.”
Larry Barnet is here with his family. He says there’s good movies and sometimes a celebrity sighting.
“Try to make it out at least two or three times a year. One year I met Donald Driver here.”
Good crowd turning out tonight. They’ll sell tickets through the first movie. Traditionally, the sellouts come for the animated hits.
“The biggest ones we’ve had were for Finding Nemo, any Cars movie has been the best for us.”
Taylor provides one important final instruction for everyone…
“To hear the movie on Screen One you must have your radio tuned to 89.9 FM.”
That’s all Hallie needs to know before settling in for another night at Field Of Scenes…..
“Which movie do you want to see really bad ?”
“Despicable Me 3 !”
“Excellent, ok thanks”.
“You’re welcome.”
In Freedom, Robert Kennedy……WTAQ News
