By ALEXANDER SIMONE

Staff writer

An old-fashioned pastime will be coming to Hillsboro at 8 p.m. July 19, when Midway Motors holds its inaugural free drive-in movie night.

“It’s an old school, American tradition,” manager Zeth Thornhill said. “You think of the days when everyone got together and sat outside at the movies.”

The event is an opportunity to break residents out of their usual social circles, said Jennifer Janes, who has three children from 7 to 15 years old.

“In town, a lot of people stick with their groups or churches,” she said. “It may be a nice way to include other people.”

The idea, brought over by a Hutchinson employee after success there, is an opportunity to show Midway Motors as more than a business, Thornhill said.

“We’re trying to find a way to get everyone together and let them know we care about more than selling cars,” he said. “We want to reach out to the community.”

If the debut goes well, the plan is to continue movies every couple of months while the weather remains warm.

The movie featured will be Finding Dory, which will appeal to audience members of all ages, Janes said.

“More people will show up if the younger kids can come too,” she said. “And the older kids won’t admit it, but I think they’ll enjoy it.”

Drive-in movies are missed around Hillsboro because residents have to drive an hour or more to find them, Janes said.

“It’s nice to have something local,” she said. “By the time it gets over in Wichita, you still have an hour drive back.”

Attendees will be able to listen to the movie through their cars’ FM radios, and an adult must accompany children.

Chairs and blankets are welcome, and there will be room at the front for seating.