Drive-in movies, drive-thru circus at fairgrounds

By Angie Landsverk

Drive-in movies and a drive-thru circus will be featured in the upcoming Weyauwega Summer Drive Up Weekend.

The events will take place Friday through Sunday, Aug. 7-9, at the Waupaca County Fairgrounds, in Weyauwega.

“It’s casual, fun and safe,” said Kathy Fehl, of Wega Arts.

The local arts organization is presenting the events.

Two movies will be shown on both Friday, Aug. 7 and Saturday, Aug. 8.

The Aug. 7 lineup will be “Jurassic Park” followed by “Grease.”

On Aug. 8, “Men in Black” will be shown first, followed by “American Graffiti.”

The fairgrounds will open at 7 p.m. both days, and the movies will begin around 8:15 p.m.

Tickets are $25 per carload in advance and at the gate for each double feature night.

That cost is for up to six people in the vehicle.

There is an added charge of $5 per person above that number.

Fehl recommends people purchase tickets in advance, as they will be limited to approximately 80 vehicles per night.

Visit wegaarts.org to purchase tickets.

Vehicles will be safely distanced, and each one will have its own space.

People will be able to sit outside their vehicles, but must stay in their area unless visiting the restrooms or concessions.

Pickup trucks and vans will park in the last two rows, and no large trucks or recreational vehicles will be allowed.

Fehl said the movies will be shown on a full-size screen, with the sound transmitted through FM radio.

Wega Arts recommends people bring a portable radio if they want to sit outside their vehicle to watch the movies.

Masks will be recommended at all times and mandatory for those visiting the concessions or restrooms.

All staff will wear masks and follow guidelines for social distancing and how many people may be in a restroom at one time.

Concessions

Concessions, beer, soda and water will be available.

The concessions will include popcorn, candy, hot dogs, veggie dogs and a pulled pork sandwich plate.

Credit cards will be preferred for purchases, but they will accept cash.

Wega Arts says no carry-ins for the movie nights, and they ask that patrons carry out their trash.

The movies will be shown rain or shine, with no refunds.

Planning for the event began in May, Fehl said.

“We had to work with county Public Health on the plan and the fairgrounds people,” she said. “We had to figure out the optimal place to do it.”

Wega Arts sought input from people about what movies they would like to see.

“This is what we thought – big, old, classic fun,” Fehl said.

She said they appreciate RE/MAX for being one of their sponsors.

Drive-thru circus Aug. 9

Their weekend event concludes with Professor Pinkerton presenting a Drive-thru Mini Circus with Deadman’s Carnival.

It will take place from 1-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at the fairgrounds.

The fairgrounds will be set up with acts throughout the site, so people may drive through and see the performances from their vehicles.

Acrobats, juggling, magic, stilt walkers, puppets, music and more will be featured.

The drive-thru event is expected to take about 30 minutes.

Tickets are $25 per carload for up to six people – both in advance and at the gate.

There will again be a $5 per person additional charge for more than six people.

Visit wegaarts.org to purchase tickets.

Fehl said there will be entertainment while people wait to drive through the fairgrounds.

There will also be a merchandise stand, with masks mandatory for those who visit it.

Due to safety restrictions, restrooms and concessions will not be available at this event.