LHR Partners with K.A.R.E. – Lumber Heritage Region

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LHR Partners with K.A.R.E.

Written by Holly Komonczi

The Kane Family Drive-In is a key community, heritage and tourism asset for the region. Located within the Lumber Heritage Region. The Kane Family Drive-In has provided residents and tourists with under-the-stars, surrounded by trees, outdoor entertainment since 1952 Few Drive-In theaters are still in operation in the United States, making the Kane Family Drive-In a highly valued, memorable and unique outdoor experience and destination for our area. There were once 4,000 drive-ins nationwide; today that number has dropped to around 300. Changing entertainment industry policies have made it difficult for drive-ins to compete and remain financially sustainable. In 2013, the Drive-In was upgraded to a digital, high-definition projector – a necessary, yet costly, investment to remain current with Hollywood film technical requirements and continue operations. In order to keep this historic community landmark and celebrated outdoor destination economically viable for future generations, current owners Lowell and Jackie Watts are developing other opportunities to bring in revenue, and grow the Drive-In property into an entertainment complex destination. Construction of a permanent, professional-grade, timber-framed performing arts stage done in Lumber Heritage period style building techniques has been completed with help from funds provided by the Lumber Heritage Region Mini-Grant Program.