By Ammie Ruddle
Transforming back in time to celebrate an iconic musical legend was the theme of the July 16 Warner’s Drive-In showing of the new film “Elvis.”
Board members promoted the 1950s Elvis inspired event with incentives for attendees sponsored by Pendleton Community Bank.
The event encouraged patrons to see the movie wearing 1950s fashion, driving 1950s cars, and dressing up as the king himself, Elvis Presley.
Attendees arrived at the event welcomed by Elijah Ruddle, 11, who was dressed as a young Elvis, Gwenith Collins, 9, and Alexandria Collins,7, who dressed in 1950s attire. Each patron was greeted with a smile, as the three collected money and handed out movie tickets.
“We are working on our math and social skills,” said Ruddle as he went back and forth to each car when it was his “turn.”
Gwenith Collins made sure to tell each patron to “enjoy the show.” Alexandria Collins asked patrons if they were “dressed for the movie,” and handed out popcorn vouchers to those who donned 50s fashion.
Meanwhile the snack bar staff “dressed for the movie” in their poodle skirts and white T-shirts served popcorn, drinks, hamburgers and much more.
Winner of the Elvis look-alike contest was Will Huffman, who won two complimentary tickets to the drive-in.
The film brought in nearly 400 patrons with one patron saying, “I’ve always wanted to go to a drive-in. It was on my bucket list.”