Mustang Drive-In: A Timeless Tradition in Prince Edward County
The Mustang Drive-in, in Prince Edward County, is an entertainment institution. Opened in 1956, it still provides today a unique setting for moviegoers. Cocooned in the privacy of your car, you sit, waiting for darkness to fall with a community of 400 other vehicles. Kids in pyjamas bundle up with blankets and pillows, rarely staying awake for the second movie on the ticket. People bring lawn chairs, open rear hatches or sit in the beds of pickup trucks. And the movie reels start, projected overhead on the white painted screen, the sound coming out of a metal speaker wired to a post beside your car door.
If the viewing experience has remained more or less unchanged over the years, behind the scenes, there have been many changes at the Mustang Drive-In. Paul and Nancy Peterson bought the site in 1988. It was acquired on a whim, but they couldn't resist the appeal. Even back then, it had history, but it needed work. It was run down. Paul and Nancy learned about the business, and Paul, as the lead, became part of the Mustang legend. Back then alcohol was allowed on the site and it had become a place for young people to party, it was boisterous. Showings interrupted by a police cruiser coming in were not uncommon. The new owners put an ad in the local paper to announce that alcohol was no longer tolerated. The attendance dived, but over time a new community of loyal followers emerged. Families came back. There was a second screen installed in 2004 and a playground for kids in front of it.
The speakers, tethered to a metal post, were replaced by FM streaming directly into your car radio. Digital replaced the 35 mm movie reels, although the Mustang lasted longer than most. The last 35 mm was played in 2015. Along with that came two new projectors. Their ticket booth at the entrance is an old bus. For the Peterson, the Mustang has been a family affair; their children and grandchildren worked there, and his father worked the box office for all-nighters. In 2020, they made the tough decision to sell. A young couple, Dawn Laing and Drew Downs, had shown interest in buying the place.
Dawn and Drew made improvements. New screens and projectors were installed. Updates were made to the bathrooms. The concession stand and the ticket booth bus were also upgraded. They diversified, doing trunk sales and car shows. Some movies are shown with closed captions.
They open in June, with showings from Wednesday to Sunday all summer long. The last showing is Labour Day. Check for hours.
Today there are only 16 drive-in movie theatres left in Ontario. Dawn and Drew have also made it public that they are looking for new owners for the drive-in. They hope for someone who will keep it as a drive-in.
Our 'Now & Then' series, unveils the rich tapestry of South Eastern Ontario's historical landmarks and buildings, all waiting to be discovered on your travels. Delve into the intriguing stories behind these iconic structures and the vibrant communities they call home.
Written by Ginette-Guy Mayer; her interest as a writer revolves around history, genealogy and women’s stories within those contexts. Now retired, she lives in Cornwall, Ontario, where she volunteers with various heritage, history and genealogical groups. She is the author of the biography Unforgotten Mary Mack, the Elizabeth Grant Mysteries, set in 1930s Cornwall and the DS Henry Stafford Mysteries series, set in 1980s Winchester/Chesterville.
