Greene County drive-in among recipients for tourism grant
The Skyview Drive-in in Carmichaels has been in operation since 1946
In this file photo, Sam Smith of Waynesburg wipes the windshield clean as he awaits the start of a movie at Skyview Drive-in in Carmichaels.
A Greene County drive-in movie theater that has been in operation since 1946 was named one of the recipients of a grant that will enable staff there to make improvements to better serve customers.
The Skyview Drive-In in Carmichaels received a $5,000 Capital Development and Improvement grant, which provides financial support to tourism partners that are developing and improving amenities and experience that increase the county’s appeal to tourists.
The grant was announced recently by the Greene County Commissioners and the county’s tourism department as part of the distribution of $31,000 in tourism grant awards for 2018.
The Skyview Drive-In plans to expand and renovate restrooms on the property and replace sidewalks outside the building. According to staff, the project will specifically address the need for accessibility for those who have mobility issues as well as accommodate families with children. The goal for the project completion date is June 2018, weather permitting.
“We are constantly told that our bathrooms need to be updated to meet the needs of our customers,” said Elizabeth Walker, co-owner.
In 2014, owners of the drive-in converted to a costly digital projection after production of movies on 35-millimeter film came to a halt.
In a previous interview, Walker said she has been a drive-in enthusiast since she was a child, and it was important to keep the business open.
“I’m glad the people support [the drive-ins] and try to keep the nostalgia going,” Elizabeth Walker said. “That’s what we try to do.”
Also receiving a $5,000 capital grant was The Perfect Arrangement/Lily Bee’s Destination Gift Shop, where owners there plan to expand a product staging area into an additional showroom and move a design area for public viewing. The remodel will also create space to offer classes and events such as flower arrangement classes, wreathmaking, and tea parties.
There were also 26 Community Events and Project grants awarded, totaling $21,000.
“The grants provide resources to increase marketing and advertising for events and attractions as well as invest in capital improvements for our tourism assets” said Commissioner Blair Zimmerman. “The increased exposure and enhancements will hopefully attract new and repeat visitors.”
This year’s recipients of events and project grants are:
Buckin’ B Cattle Co, $2,500 for Extreme Bull Riding; Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful, $2,500 for Sheep & Fiber Festival, and $1,000 for 50’s Fest & Car Cruise; Greene County Fair Board, $2,500 for Lucas Oil Mega Pull, and $1,000 for Greene County Fair; White Covered Bridge Association, $2,150 for White Covered Bridge Festival; Observer Publishing Company, $1,000 for Farm to Fork Greene County; Greene County Historical Society, $1,000 for Stone to Steel, $500 for Harvest Festival, and $500 for Steampunk Garden Party; King Coal Association, $1,000 for King Coal Show; Special Events Commission, $750 for Rain Day Festival; Rices Landing Volunteer Fire Department, $750 for Riverfest; Nathanael Greene Community Development Center, $500 for Art Blast on the Mon, and $200 for Holiday Craft Blast; Altered Gas Performance Events, $500 for Flashlight Drags; Greene County United Way, $500 for Greene Cuisine; Lippencott Alpacas, $500 for Open House; Waynesburg Lions Club, $500 for Sounds of Summer; Washington Health System-Greene, $500 for Sporting Clay Shoot; Greene County Chamber of Commerce, $400 for Motor Madness Car Show; and The Victory 5K, $250 for The Victory 5K.