Reopening goal for 2023 Auburn-Garrett Drive-In

My name is Julie Yarde and I am the proud owner of the Auburn-Garrett Drive-In, one of the last of Indiana’s few remaining iconic drive-ins and a beloved landmark in Garrett and surrounding communities. The Drive-In was built in 1951, becoming one of almost 4,000 during that time. This number has dwindled down to just over 300 drive-ins still

operating in the United States. Fun for all ages, the Drive-In has been providing outdoor movie entertainment for over 70 years and serves not only our community but a movie community extending into the surrounding states. Unfortunately, during a high-winded storm on August 29th of last year, the Drive-In’s screen and surrounding skirting become severely damaged in a matter of seconds. It didn’t take long for the community to learn about our loss. As the storm was abating, people were stopping to see the damage, taking pictures,commenting on social media, and asking questions. The biggest question was if we would be able to reopen. I knew immediately that the answer was, of course, yes, because I knew in my heart that I had to make this happen. I began the task of looking for screen builders and learned quickly that there are only a few operating across the United States. It was suggested that we contact the original company that built the last screen over forty years ago, Selby Screen. I knew that it was going to be costly but I had replacement insurance. What I didn’t know was that the insurance came with a cap of only $60,000 for the screen and $15,000 for the skirting. Shockingly, Selby Screen’s quote for repair came in at $278,500 and that was after tear-down and the hope that we would be able to use the pre-existing foundation to secure the new structure. After additional research, I learned that their pricing was reasonable with the size and height of the screen, 35 ½ ft. x 80 ft. and 60 ft. from the top of the screen to the base. This screen was one of Selby’s largest screens that they have ever built. I, like many, was one of those children who grew up going to the Drive-In with my family and later, going as an adult with my own children. So many wonderful memories have been made here, my own son and daughter-in-law, Justin & Laura Glaser, celebrated their engagement at the drive-in and many marriage proposals have been made on the big screen! Together, we can ensure that our children and our children’s children have the opportunity to enjoy this piece of history for many more decades to come. We have met the insurance deductible so our newest goal is $125,000 instead of the original $250,000! We are just over halfway there!! Seeing how this community has already come together to help us rebuild this town's piece of history is heart-touching and incredible. We are forever grateful for those donations already received and those that continue to come through! If you are able to aid us in our mission, you may do so by donating to our GoFundMe or sending a check or money order to Auburn-Garrett Drive-In, 1036 State Road 8, Garrett, IN 46738. Donations may also be made at Garrett State Bank. On behalf of myself and longtime Drive-In operator, Bruce Babbitt, we thank you for helping us raise the funds to RAISE THE SCREEN!