Together With

Good morning, Wichita!

Quick correction from our last email, Shop n Grub is this Saturday (6/21), NOT Friday like I originally stated. Thank you for keeping me honest. 🫡

Let's get to it!

- Landon Huslig

Together with Dude Perfect

The kings of trick shots - Dude Perfect - are coming to INTRUST Bank Arena on July 11th!

This is your chance to see the guys live and experience the magic of Dude Perfect!

Get your tickets today!

STARLITE DRIVE-IN

Picture this:

You roll up with a carload of your boys (or girls) or maybe your gal (or guy) on a warm summer evening.

The smell of popcorn is strong, the glow of the screens is bright.

It’s time to catch a summer flick at the Starlite Drive-In.

There is just something nostalgic about drive-in theatres. They take us back to a different age before we were glued to a small screen.

The Starlite Drive-In was just voted the #3 best drive-in in the United States so what better time than to dive into the past, present and future of the last remaining drive-in theatre in Wichita and our beloved landmark.

The History & Evolution of the Starlite Drive-In

The Rainbow Drive-In

The year is 1953, the month is October and the day is the 1st.

Dane Clark stars in “Fort Defiance” on opening day at the Rainbow Drive-In which had just a single screen and capacity for 600 cars.

The Rainbow Drive-In was operated by Mrs. T.H. Slothower.

This lasted just over two decades until it was demolished and rebuilt in 1974 when it reopened as the Landmark Twin-Drive-In with two screens and a capacity of 1,300 cars.

It was officially renamed the Starlite Drive-In in 1998 and was the last drive-in standing in the area by the 2000s.

Challenges and Future Impact

In the age of streaming and home entertainment systems, why go to a theater when you have the comfort of your own home?

And if we don’t want to go to a normal theater, where does that leave drive-in theaters?

(Personally, I hope movie theaters AND drive-in theaters stay in business. We need excuses to get out of the house.)

Drive-ins provide opportunities for lifelong memories.

I still remember watching the 3rd Matrix movie at a drive-in with my dad and cousins as a kid.

To put the decline and scale of drive-ins in perspective…

• In the 1950’s there were ~4000 drive-ins

• In 2017, there were ~330 drive-ins operating

• As of 2023, there were ~177 drive-ins left across 25 states

• At least 6 of the remaining theaters are on the National Register of Historic Places

• There are only 5 drive-ins left in Kansas (as of 2023)

One challenge that comes along with these old theaters is the very expensive conversion from 35 mm film to digital projectors that just doesn’t make sense for many small towns.

Community Rescue

Fast forward to the fall of 2018, Starlite was on the struggle bus financially.

It officially closed in October 2018 with plans to redevelop the land and everything was going up for sale. The equipment auction was halted in November after public outcry to keep it around, hence the “Save the Starlite” campaign.

In December, it was purchased by an anonymous Wichita.

Why would someone buy a struggling drive-in?

For the mems. They took their kids there and wanted to continue to.

Mom (or dad) of the year award right there.

To get the drive-in up and running, the new owners (the anonymous buyer + Blake Smith who was helping with the drive-in operations and I believe still runs the ops), had to invest in two new digital projectors costing around $175,000 or the price of a new Aston Martin Vantage Coupe.

This came along side other updates like electrical, security, and exhaust systems for the projectors.

The city agreed to help with a loan (to be paid back with interest), but the community came through for a chunk of it.

Modern Day

Although the drive-in was saved, Starlite still struggled (remember something big happened in 2020 which not only affected all of our lives, but also put a damper on Hollywood production). The drive-in sees about half the attendance of pre-pandemic.

The City Council approved an extension of the loan agreement in February of this year.

The season typically kicks off in February and runs every day through mid-August (except when we have hurricane weather like recently).

They still offer two screens with 2 movies a piece each evening.

You do need a ticket (which is good for back to back movies with an intermission and they do play rain or shine).

Tickets are $10.75 for adults (12 and up) or $5.38 for kids. On special occasions (like June 6th - National Drive-In Day), they do offer carload specials.

Current showings are:

Friday brings in a few couple of new movies:

So, what do you say?

Load up the snacks in the car and head to the drive-in this weekend?

What do you want to see us go deep on in a future deep dive?

Let us know!

Together with Bliss Climbing & Fitness

School’s out, and it’s the perfect time to try something new.

Whether you're looking for a fun way to stay active, beat the heat, or just shake up your routine, indoor climbing at Bliss Climbing and Fitness is a great way to make this summer unforgettable. Our friendly staff will show you the ropes. No experience needed.

Just walk in, grab a harness, and start climbing. Come see why they're Wichita’s go-to summer adventure spot.

Quick Event Rundown

• Athletes Unlimited Softball League | WSU Wilkins Stadium | 6/7 - 6/23

• Shop n Grub Night Market | Exploration Place Amphitheater | 5pm

• Taco Fest | Fountains at Waterwalk | 3pm

• Nate Bargatze | Intrust Bank Arena | 12/10 (rescheduled from September)