Birdsong Drive-In Theater is back for another season
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BENTON COUNTY, Tenn. — The Birdsong Drive-In Theater is back in business, but there have been transitions in the digital age that have not made it so simple. However, the family’s passion to keep it going has made it a success once again. “This is our first time at the drive-in,” said moviegoer Cynthia Cunningham. “We thought we would come try it out and show her Cinderella on the big screen.” Opening up for a new season has not been as easy as finding a fairy godmother for John York and his family. After movie companies said they were changing systems — going from film to digital — the transition has been costly. York said he could not afford not to keep it open. “It’s a passion of mine. It’s a passion of my brother’s, and I knew one way or another I was going to open it back up,” John York said. York’s brother opened the drive-in in 2007. Pancreatic cancer took his life a year and a half ago. Although they shut it down for a few months, the family legacy has fueled the reopening and is something York plans to pass down to his children and their friends. “It’s fun to come out here, you know, and the history is neat,” said Alora York, who helps her dad each night the drive-in is open. From taking money to getting concessions ready, not only is York honoring his brother but teaching life lessons. “This is just to have something for my kids to do, and teach them responsibility, and it’s a hobby to me so I really enjoy doing it,” York said. Although it has taken a lot to get to opening night, York and his family hope the community will continue to take part in the tradition. The Birdsong Drive-In Theater will be open each Friday and Saturday night for the spring and summer season. It is located at 907 Shiloh Church Road near Camden.
