Milford Drive-In Prepares for Upcoming Summer Season

Few experiences capture the nostalgia of summer quite like a night at a drive-in movie theater. From families piled into station wagons decades ago to today's moviegoers watching from lawn chairs and pickup trucks, drive-ins are a past time we keep wanting to relive with generations to come. Drive-in theaters have been part of American culture since the 1930s. According to driveinsamerica.com, Richard M. Hollingshead Jr. invented the drive-in theater in 1933. The concept quickly gained popularity, reaching its peak during the 1950s and 1960s before beginning a gradual decline in the 1990s. Despite the decline, drive-ins continue to attract movie lovers seeking a unique and nostalgic entertainment experience. There are approximately 248 drive-in theaters operating across the U.S. New Hampshire is home to just three: the Milford Drive-In in Milford, the Northfield Drive-In in Hinsdale, and the Weirs Drive-In in Laconia. Locally, the Northfield Drive-In is scheduled to open June 19-20 with a double feature of "Toy Story 5" and "The Mandalorian and Grogu," according to its Facebook page. The Milford Drive-In, meanwhile, welcomed moviegoers back on April 17. The Milford Drive-In has a rich history of its own. The theater first opened in 1958 and was purchased by Bob Scharmett in 1969. It has remained in the family ever since. Barry Scharmett, one of Bob's sons is currently running it. Setting up the drive-in for the season is no small feat. "It probably takes us – myself and my wife – a good three to four weeks to set up and put everything back together," Scharmett said. He added it might be a quick job if he had a whole crew working for him, but it's a small operation. Like many drive-ins, the Milford theater has adapted to changing technology over the years. When it first opened, movies were shown on film reels, a process that required several hours of setup and breakdown each night. Projecting movies has become a much easier task since the switch to digital technology in 2012. Movies were initially delivered via satellite and are now transmitted over the internet through Comcast. For anyone who has never experienced a drive-in movie, Scharmett said it's something everyone should try at least once. He offers a few simple tips for making the most of a night under the stars. "I suggest bringing chairs and to bring blankets, too. If it's cold out, bring warm clothes. A lot of people don't realize it gets cold in the evenings," he said. And don't forget the bug spray. Of course, no trip to the drive-in is complete without snacks. The Milford Drive-In features a full concession stand offering favorites such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, fried dough, pretzels and popcorn. Guests can also enjoy slushies, frappes, ice cream and a variety of candy. If you happen to leave something at home, there's no need to worry. The theater also sells throws, sweatshirts, bug spray and other essentials. The Milford Drive-In features two screens, each offering double features throughout the season. Movie audio is transmitted through dedicated FM radio stations, allowing guests to listen through their vehicle's stereo system or a portable FM radio. Years ago, moviegoers listened through the iconic pole-mounted speakers that became synonymous with the drive-in experience. Scharmett recommended arriving early, especially for major summer releases. Four highly anticipated films expected to draw large crowds this season are "Moana," "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," "Toy Story 5" and "The Odyssey." When asked what he would most like readers to know about the Milford Drive-In, Scharmett emphasized the theater's family-friendly atmosphere and affordability. "It's a family-friendly drive-in and we play first-run family movies. The biggest thing is our prices are very reasonable. It's $35 per car for up to six to people for two movies. Plus, the family can be outdoors, verses cooped up inside." In an era of streaming services and on-demand entertainment, the drive-in offers something increasingly rare: a chance to slow down, gather with family and friends, and enjoy a movie beneath an open sky. For many, it's more than just a night at the movies — it's a tradition that brings back memories while creating new ones. The Milford Drive-In is located at 531 Elm St., in Milford. Movies begin at dusk.