On Aug. 3, 1948, the Northfield Drive-In opened for the first time. The first film shown was a single feature, Thunder in the Valley (a.k.a., Bob, Son of Battle), a 1947 potboiler about young love and sheepdogs set in the Scottish Highlands.
Today, it is one of fewer than 20 drive-ins still in operation in New England.
Its original arc and carbon projectors were bought used from an indoor theater in Northampton, Mass. They served the drive-in faithfully until 2014, when the new digital projector was purchased. The new projector brings more than two times the brightness, clarity, and audio to the drive-in.
There will be a 67th anniversary celebration Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 31 and Aug. 1 and 2. The double feature for this weekend is the new Vacation movie, starting at 8:20 p.m., and co-feature Ted 2.
Cruise vehicles (pre-1974) are especially invited to the drive-in. The driver of each pre-1974 vehicle will be admitted free of charge.
Any vehicle older than the drive-in (pre-1948) will be allowed in with up to four free admissions.
There will be nightly raffles for drive-in T-shirts and movie posters. There will also be snack bar specials each night.