It's A Major Sign of Spring, Verne Drive-In Announces Opening

It's a slice of Americana that is rapidly disappearing from our landscape, drive-in movie theaters. Thankfully in this part of the world that's not true, because we still have the iconic Verne Drive-In Theater in Luverne, Minnesota.

At their peak in the 1950s, over 4,000 drive-ins dotted the U.S. But now there are fewer than 300, and here in South Dakota, the remaining drive-ins number six or seven. So every spring, the re-opening of the Verne Drive-In is something worth celebrating.

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Friday, April 18, is the first night the Verne will be popping up popcorn, whipping up thin crust pizzas, cheeseburgers, fries, hot pretzels with cheese and much more. They'll also be selling your favorite beverages, plus frozen and sweet treats too.

For many people going to the drive-in isn't just watching a movie, it's a portal to simpler times, and for some of us it is reliving some really sweet memories. I'll never forget my first drive-in movie experience. Our grandma got us into our jammies, piled into her old car and headed to the drive-in to watch Elvis in "Blue Hawaii".

There was just something magical about watching a movie under the stars and there still is.

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Every visit to the Vern Drive-In is also supporting a vanishing American tradition. So, this Friday, April 18, as the projector beam cuts through the twilight, the Verne Drive-In won't just be reopening for another season, it'll be keeping a piece of cultural history alive.

The Verne Drive-In is located at 1607 S. Kniss Avenue in Luverne. Tickets are $8 for ages 6 and up. Before Memorial Day, they'll be open Fridays and Saturdays and after Labor Day, they will be open Wednesday through Sunday. It's about a half-hour drive from Sioux Falls - but so worth it.

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For more information about theater rules and to see their fantastic menu of mouthwatering goodies, check out Verne Drive-In Theater and stay of top of what's going on at the Verne by seeing their Facebook page.

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