For over 60 years the Clearwater Drive-In Theatre has been the backdrop for memories for locals and tourists alike. The theatre, located just outside of Kyle, SK., first opened in 1957 is one of only four drive-in theatres in our province.

The theatre has changed ownership only once but has undergone many changes in an effort to keep up with changing technology whilst also staying true to the nostalgia of an old-school drive-in.

It was regarded as the ‘hang out spot’ in the mid 80’s according to Fay Denning, who is originally from the town of Kyle and has fond memories of the theatre. Denning reminisced about the times spent at the theatre in her later teen and early 20’s, she said, “It was much more of a party spot back then, all the kids would park in the back and hang out, usually not even knowing what movie was playing.”

Before ownership changed hands 30 years ago, the drive-in was renown for their concession food and most famously, their pickles.

“That was the thing, everyone had to get a pickle every time they went to a show, I don’t know what it was about them but everyone got one,” said Denning.

Denning didn’t just enjoy the amenities of the theatre, it was also one of her first jobs. She worked there for two summers back in her early 20’s when they still had the old speakers people would perch on the window of their cars.

In 1991, they made their first major change to the theatre and the viewing experience with the introduction of using AM radio instead of the car window speakers to deliver the films sound. In 1999, the theatre underwent another significant change when they replaced the carbon arc dual projection system that had been used since the inception of the theatre in 1957. The movie, Never Been Kissed, was the first movie to play on the updated system, an automated 2000 watt Zenon bulb lamphouse and platter system. In the year following they upgraded to a 3000-watt projector to bring even better picture quality to their viewers. Today movies are played in digital format to provide high-quality picture and sound.

“I went from partying there to bringing my children there and now my children bring their children there.” said Denning and added, “it is much more family oriented now.”

The theatre continues to make its mark and attracts tourists to the area year after year to experience a rarity in entertainment.