By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A Downtown Drive-in Movie Night concept launched in Freeport last week was a huge success as many residents turned out for the showing of the movie ‘War Room.’

It was truly a family event and brought back the nostalgia of the good old days on Grand Bahama when families went to the drive-in movie theatre on Queens Highway.

The initiative was launched the by Downtown Freeport Business Association and the Invest Grand Bahama Small Business Bureau.

Grand Bahama Port Authority President Ian Rolle was pleased with the turnout last Thursday.

“The community’s participation is evident that we need to host more events like this, bringing the community and families together, while supporting the local economy,” he said.

Parking areas were packed to capacity, as cars lined the streets of the Downtown centre for the viewing of the box office hit in HD format on a 25x 15ft screen. Viewers tuned in on radio dial 95.5FM to pick-up the film’s audio.

Complete with fully stocked concession services, movie goers enjoyed numerous theatre snacks and Frank’s famous Ice-cream Van also made an appearance, offering sweet cold treats.

Surrounding stores remained open past the usual closing times, allowing residents to pick-up last minute items before the Easter holiday.

Harveyann Newbold, DFBA president, said the movie night initiative has been in their project line-up for just over a year and they wanted to offer it as a free event.

“Thanks to the support and sponsorship of the IGBSBB we are now able to do so,” she said.

“The response was overwhelming, definitely confirmation that we would want to add this to our calendar for future events,” she stated.

Derek Newbold, Senior Manager of Business Development and Invest Grand Bahama, said the initiative served as a pilot project to assess interest levels, and believes that it can become a viable small business opportunity based on the response.

“The success of this event effectively demonstrates and validates market readiness for the concept of a drive-in movie; one that features family centred entertainment, that both children and parents can enjoy,” he said.

“The IGBSBB and the DFBA have done an excellent job of organising and promoting this event. We would also like to thank the Royal Bahamas Police Force for doing such an outstanding job with directing traffic and ensuring a safe and successful evening.”

LaShawn Dames, Business manager for IGBSBB said: “Tonight Downtown was showcased as a place for family entertainment, shopping and fun.

“We are very pleased with the level of turnout, support and participation from surrounding stores, the community, and other licensees who made the event possible and successful,” Dames stated. “The IGBSBB is pleased to support these types of initiatives, as they support local businesses and help to build our economy.”