The following article appeared in The Colchester Sun - I have copied it because it only stays up on the web for one week before they take it down.

Alive and well at 60
Theater celebrates sixth decade in Colchester

By Eddy Mulhern - For The Colchester Sun

The old school sign outside the Sunset Drive-In in Colchester indicates the theater’s 60th anniversary. The theater might be a throwback to an earlier time, but it is not an historical relic to be gawked at.

It is a vital theater that provides the most popular titles to a wide range of audiences. Although American popular culture has changed since the theater opened in 1948, Sunset continues to showcase Hollywood releases at competitive prices.

Sunset Drive-in Theatre owner and operator Peter Handy calls it his “labor of love.” At a time when the drive-in is fading as an entertainment venue, Handy stays open because the drive-in is the “greatest form of entertainment.” His is complete with four colossal screens, mini golf, and hand-cut French fries.

The drive-in is more than a movie theater. It’s an experience, patrons say.

Harold Faircloth of Stowe said he grew up going to drive-ins. For him, the drive-in is “nostalgic fun.” He says that every friend he has ever brought to the Sunset values the experience.

The Sunset Drive-In was built in 1948 and Handy’s father, Ernest Handy, bought the property from the developers. The family has been in the movie business ever since. The continuous operation of the theater makes it the oldest continuously operating drive-in in New England. As one of the only second-generation operators, Handy feels compelled to maintain the theater as if it were a “member of the family.” The surrounding community applauds him for his labor – and the extended family that the theater creates.

Despite its age, the drive-in remains competitive – and that keeps young people coming back. Brian Gilhooly, 17, of Jericho gave his approval, saying drive-ins are “overall a good idea.” He said that the privacy and relative cheapness of the theater are unmatched in any other public movie setting. At a time when entertainment and food prices are soaring, the drive-in can make even the most expensive date affordable.

Some young people, like Colin Hellmuth, use the theater as an assembly point for a handful of friends. There are very few places where one can pay $7.50 and stay somewhere for up to seven hours. Hellmuth spoke for his group by saying that he appreciates the chance to congregate and eat food in the great outdoors.

This year, with Sunset’s enormous screens and nostalgia, the 60th anniversary will not go unnoticed. Peter Handy said plans for commemorating the theater’s long life are “still in the works” for later in the summer.

As the drive-in has largely disappeared from popular American entertainment, Peter Handy and the greater Colchester community cannot let go. Happy anniversary!

Concessions worker Nick Robare, 15 of Colchester awaits hungry customers at the Sunset Drive-In on Wednesday, June 25.

Jason Richardson, 13 (left), Matthew Richardson, 10 and Brandon Pion, 13 of Lowell play miniature golf before a double feature at the Sunset Drive-In on Wednesday, June 25. (Photos by Sean Cooley)