Honda Extends Project Drive-In to Rescue More Historic Theaters From Digital Extinction
In a heartwarming extension of its charitable campaign, Honda has given America's endangered drive-in theaters a second feature by prolonging voting for Project Drive-In. The initiative, which aims to save these nostalgic landmarks from digital obsolescence, has already secured digital projectors for five theaters and now offers hope for four more through extended public voting.
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Featured Snippet: Honda's Project Drive-In has extended voting to save four additional drive-in theaters from closure, after successfully providing digital projectors to five theaters already. The campaign addresses the industry-wide switch from 35mm film to digital projection that threatens these nostalgic landmarks.
The Digital Projector Crisis Facing Drive-Ins
Drive-in theaters across America face an existential threat:
- Hollywood studios ceased 35mm film distribution in 2013
- Digital projectors cost approximately $80,000 each
- Many small-town drive-ins can't afford the conversion
- Over 90% of drive-ins have closed since the 1950s peak
Honda launched Project Drive-In to help preserve this unique piece of Americana that blends automotive culture with entertainment history.
The First Five Winning Theaters
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Initial Project Drive-In Recipients
- Saco Drive-In - Saco, Maine (Operating since 1939)
- Cherry Bowl Drive-In - Honor, Michigan (Family-owned since 1953)
- Graham Drive-In - Graham, Texas (Last remaining in North Texas)
- McHenry Outdoor Theater - McHenry, Illinois (Opened 1950)
- 99W Drive-In - Newberg, Oregon (Community-supported landmark)
Each theater created heartfelt one-minute videos pleading their case, ranging from touching community stories to humorous zombie apocalypse scenarios.
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Campaign Impact and Community Response
The initiative has sparked nationwide engagement:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Online Votes | 2.25 million+ |
| Public Donations | $37,000+ |
| Social Media Mentions | 15,000+ |
Community Impact: The Saco Drive-In reported a 300% increase in attendance after being named a winner, demonstrating how Honda's project not only provided equipment but revitalized interest in these cultural landmarks.
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How the Extended Campaign Works
With voting extended through September 21st:
- Four additional theaters will receive digital projectors
- Votes can be cast at ProjectDriveIn.com
- Donations directly support projector purchases
- New winners announced September 23rd
The Pop-Up Drive-In Tour
Complementing the online campaign, Honda dealerships hosted special events:
- Screenings of "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs"
- Free concessions and family activities
- Final event at First Team Honda in Chesapeake, VA
- Raised awareness about the digital conversion issue
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Why Drive-Ins Matter
These theaters represent more than just movies:
Cultural Significance
- Last remaining affordable family entertainment in many areas
- Physical connection to America's automotive golden age
- Community gathering spaces that foster local identity
- Living museums of mid-century design and technology
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How You Can Help Save Drive-Ins
Even after Honda's campaign, these theaters need support:
- Visit your local drive-in: Attendance funds operations
- Purchase concessions: This is how theaters profit
- Join preservation societies: Many states have organizations
- Advocate for tax incentives: Some states offer help with digital conversion
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Looking Ahead: Honda's Project Drive-In demonstrates how corporate social responsibility can preserve cultural treasures while building brand goodwill. The campaign's extension offers hope that more of these nostalgic theaters will continue showing second features for generations to come.
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As the sun sets on 35mm film, initiatives like Project Drive-In ensure the drive-in experience won't fade to black, preserving a unique blend of automotive and entertainment history that continues to create memories for new generations of moviegoers.
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