About the
Midway Drive-In and Diner
THE
HISTORY OF THE HISTORIC MIDWAY DRIVE-IN
The Midway Drive-In opened
in 1950 in Sterling, Illinois and has been in continuous operation ever
since. The Midway Drive-In is a genuine historical landmark as it is home to
the oldest standing Drive-In screen in Illinois. We are dedicated to
preserving this Dixon Illinois and Sterling Illinois historical landmark and
paying tribute to the American tradition of the Drive-In Theatre.
The Midway is a beautiful Drive-In. From the classic retro “spaceship”
ticket booth, to
the full service concession stand, a trip to the Midway is like entering a
time capsule to the 1950’s.
The spacious Midway Drive-In parking lot can hold up to 500 cars. The Midway
screen is a GIANT 90 feet across, giving a massive film presentation. After
dusk, the stars can clearly be seen, and depending on the weather, major
star constellations (such as the Big Dipper) may be visible. There is
nothing more beautiful than watching a film under the stars.
THE
COMPLETE NOSTALGIC AMERICAN DRIVE-IN EXPERIENCE RECREATED AT THE MIDWAY
We strive to re-create the
majesty and charm of the classic Drive-In era. Classic oldies tunes will
play prior to the start of the film. The film presentation will start with the National Anthem, which will play
on film. We ask that everyone who is able to please stand for the Anthem.
Classic coming attractions, short subjects, cartoons, and nostalgic Drive-In
announcements will play before the start of the first feature. At
intermission, the classic animated “Dancing Hot Dog” short and other
nostalgic vintage concession ads will play.
SOUND
One thing has changed at
the Midway, and that is the sound format. Gone are the old “in car”
speakers. Now the sound is transmitted to your car via FM stereo. Just tune
your car or portable radio to 91.3 FM and you will receive the sound in
dynamic FM stereo!
THE
MIDWAY DINER
For all your dining and snacking pleasure!
The Midway Diner has a
classic self serve Drive-In design and offers a full restaurant menu
including Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs, Nachos, Candy, Ice
Cream, French Fries, Onion Rings, Fried Cheese Sticks, Pizza, Cotton Candy,
a wide variety of Soda, and of course, Popcorn! Just grab a tray and serve
yourself! Our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you.
You can have a seat in one of our classic restaurant booths or “carry out”
your Midway Diner meals or snacks to our patio or back to your car.
SUPPORT
THE MIDWAY DRIVE-IN BY VISITING THE MIDWAY DINER
The film studios take the
majority of the money you pay for each admission ticket. Thus, a Drive-In is
a restaurant which shows movies. Your food purchases at the Diner are the
main support for this Drive-In.
We plan to continue operating and upgrading this Drive-In for many years to
come. For that to happen, we ask that you visit the Midway Diner for all of
your dining and snacking needs and that you not bring any outside food onto
the Midway grounds.
Thank you for respecting our policies.
HOUSE
RULES
In order to keep the Midway
Drive-In a fun and safe place, please read and follow our
House Rules.
FILMS WE
PLAY AT THE MIDWAY
The Midway Drive-In will
present popular First Run films. There will always be a double feature. In
addition, we will also continue the American Drive-In tradition of Dusk to
Dawn Shows of classic films. We will also present special events and film
festivals. “Classic” nights of your favorite films of the past will also be
featured. If you have any booking suggestions, please call or e-mail us. We
love hearing from you!
HOLD YOUR
OWN SPECIAL EVENT AT THE MIDWAY
The Midway Drive-In will be
available for rentals, so please call us if you have an event coming up, and
we will be more than happy to work with you.
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