Grab some snacks, load up the car and cruise onto campus to join Lethbridge College for a Movie on the Coulees. This one-of-a-kind, one-night-only, drive-in theatre experience will feature a showing of the 1985 cult classic The Goonies on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Presented by Lethbridge College Alumni Engagement and Fresh Air Cinema, Movie on the Coulees is a chance to bring the community together – and for Lethbridge College to give thanks to the community that has supported it for more than 60 years. Tickets are free, but must be ordered in advance online through the college’s website. Each vehicle needs just one ticket, regardless of how many people are in the vehicle.
“It’s usually around this time of year where we feel the buzz of new students on campus and invite the community in to help celebrate,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO. “While this year feels different for obvious reasons, and we don’t have a Coulee Fest, we are still very proud to be a part of this community. This is a way we can give back safely, while still having a lot of fun.”
The 250-vehicle drive-in theatre will be set up in parking lots E and F on the east side of campus. There will be no drive-up or foot traffic allowed, so everyone is encouraged to get their tickets early. Tickets for the public are now available, while Lethbridge College alumni who subscribe to the college’s alumni newsletter were given the opportunity to claim tickets beginning on Tuesday.
The drive-in experience will harken back to an earlier era for many college alumni – including those who used to enjoy movies at the Green Acres Drive-in Theatre. Operating from 1950 to 1986, Green Acres was located on the east side of Mayor Magrath Drive, less than a kilometre from the college’s campus.
“All around the world COVID-19 is disconnecting us from each other,” says Stephanie Savage, Lethbridge College Alumni Engagement coordinator. “It’s important to us that our alumni and our community feel socially connected to each other and to Lethbridge College. To be able to offer an opportunity like this means a lot to us.”
Gates will open at 7:30 p.m., with the movie set to begin after dark. Parking will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, except for over-sized vehicles, which may be asked to park in designated areas. Every spot will be able to see the screen and hear the movie.
A full list of Frequently Asked Questions about Movie on the Coulees can be found on the college’s website.
LISTEN: Stephanie Savage, Lethbridge College Alumni Engagement coordinator speaks about Movie on the Coulees.