The City of Martensville Recreation Department has been working hard to bring options to residents to keep busy and have fun, while at the same time, continuing to remain safe through physical distancing. The newest event coming to the community is a Drive-In theatre, which will be taking place June 26th and 27th in the Martensville Athletic Pavilion parking lot.
The idea was brought to the City by a company that they have worked with in the past that is offering this drive-in experience. “He called and asked if we had any interest and we had been looking into some new ideas to bring something to Martensville outside of what we have already been doing. This was something that we were really excited about and we were happy to jump on board and get this off the ground,” Angie Reddekopp, City of Martensville Program Coordinator, explained.
A poll was done through the ‘City of Martensville’ Facebook page, where people could vote on the movie they would most like to see come to the community. Unfortunately, the movie that received the most votes was no longer available. “We really wanted to be able to create a family oriented event, so for both nights, we have a movie that the young kids will enjoy and the second movie is one that both kids and adults can enjoy if they want to stay for the double feature,” Reddekopp said.
The first movie will begin at 9:30pm both nights, with the second following afterwards at 11:15pm the first night and 11:30pm the second night. “We know that it is a late start, but the weekend that we chose is the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year, so we have no choice but to start late. Regardless, we are really excited to do something again, and so far, we have had a great response.”
A total of 30 vehicles will be able to register, and as of Monday, June 1st, the day registration opened, all movies were almost fully booked. There is a possibility of that number increasing over the next few weeks; however, it is not a guarantee. If more room becomes available, there will be information provided on the City of Martensville Facebook page. Registration is available by going to martensville.ca, and clicking on “Program Registrations’ near the bottom of the page. Payment can be made online as no City facilities are currently open to the public.
“We are really excited that we have had this great of a response already and we are super excited to be able to organize and plan something for the community. People are looking for something to do and this is something that we are able to provide. There is a possibility of doing this again in the future, but nothing is set in stone as of yet.”
For those partaking, they are encouraged to bring snacks and they will also be provided with a large popcorn, which will be delivered safely to promote physical distancing. Reddekopp reminds people to stay within their vehicles, or close to them to continue physical distancing. “We want this to not only be a successful event, but a safe one as well.”
Discussion over bathroom availability is still taking place; however due to the current COVID-19 situation, there may not be an option available. More information will be provided as the event nears.
As for other community events, Reddekopp noted that the City of Martensville is currently waiting for information on Phase 4 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, and will make more announcements once more details from the province are available. “We do have some ideas in the works, but for now we just have to wait and see what we are able to do while following all regulations set in place.”
