Mustang Drive-In (PEC)

Dawn Laing & Drew Downs: Owners, Picton, Ontario

Where have you found inspiration?

Prior to taking on this project, we took a van trip through the southwest USA and lived out of an Econoline Van for three weeks. We moved at a slower pace, a simpler pace, as well as visited towns that have the retro and artful flair we crave. Not a day goes by on our Drive-In project that we forget about that time and how it felt. We want to bring art, film and community to this drive-in in a whole new way. But for year one, it's all about operations, sanitization and popcorn making!

What is the biggest challenge of taking over/opening the drive in during COVID?

Extra hands and access to materials. We took on the drive-in in April 2020 (but purchased it in the fall of 2019). Everyone was just adjusting to lockdown and all the new rules, so it meant some slow downs on our side. Another challenge was turning away help. We have had so many friends and family offer to help and lend a hand but with social distancing in place we have had to decline for the most part, which has been hard because we have so many talented folks in our lives who would have been such a huge help to getting us up and running faster.

As restrictions begin to ease, what are you looking forward to?

The nostalgic drive-in experience includes enjoying the space around your car, engaging with your community, saying hello to your neighbour and making a new friend. With COVID restrictions, things feel so fearful and closed. Drive-In restrictions (to date) force folks to stay within the confines of their cars which dampens the whole experience. We can't wait for the time when patrons can walk freely, engage with their drive-in neighbours and take in all our space has to offer. Building a business that can help fight quarantine fatigue really makes us feel like we can help our new community during this time.

themustangpec.ca

Dawn Laing & Drew Downs