With close to 750 votes cast and counted, YMCA Northumberland has revealed the flicks on the bill for its “Encore at the Midway” fundraising event in September.
Community members chose their favourite films from a list of classic and blockbuster movies to be shown on the big screen at the former Midway drive-in theatre near Port Hope.
Encore at the Midway is a two-night fundraiser for YMCA Northumberland. Community members can join the fun on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6. There will be two films shown each night, and the event also features live entertainment, popcorn, and food truck vendors.
“In honour of the drive-in’s 75-plus year legacy, we curated a line-up that spans its history, from iconic classics of the 1940s to ’60s to blockbuster favourites from the 1970s through the early 2000s,” Kathryn Harrison, director of marketing and philanthropy for YMCA Northumberland, told kawarthaNOW.
“Following a community vote with nearly 750 responses, we finalized the selections in collaboration with the studios. Our goal was to choose films that everyone could enjoy.”
“With such well-loved favourites on the big screen, we’re hopeful these movies will set the stage for a memorable celebration and a successful night for an important cause,” Harrison added.
Friday’s movie line-up begins with the 1967 animated adventure The Jungle Book at 8 p.m., followed by the 1978 musical comedy Grease at 10:30 p.m. On Saturday, the evening begins with the 1994 animated musical The Lion King at 8 p.m., followed by the 2003 action adventure Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl at 10:30 p.m.
Tickets are $125 per carload (of up to eight people) per night. The price includes general admission for all passengers, live local music before each movie (including Greatest of Ease and Garage Dogs on Friday night and Cale Crowe on Saturday night, with more bands to be announced), free popcorn, and a $50 charitable donation receipt for every ticket sold.
When Port Hope’s former drive-in theatre closed in 2023, it was Canada’s longest continually operating drive-in theatre and only one of two drive-ins remaining in the Kawarthas. The decision to close was related to declining business due to the impact of the pandemic, combined with the increasing popularity of streaming platforms for in-home entertainment along with the high cost of living and increased gas prices.
YMCA Northumberland said the two-night event at the drive-in theatre offers the opportunity to share a unique and memorable experience with family members and friends.
“Bringing this cherished venue back to life after its closure requires extra resources reflected in the price,” a media release noted. “But, most importantly, every ticket helps change a young person’s future.”
The event is about more than two nights of movies — it’s “a weekend community celebration of the past and an investment in the future,” said YMCA Northumberland president and CEO Eunice Kirkpatrick in a statement.
“We know people love the Midway — so do we. This is our way of giving it the send-off it deserves while turning that love into life-changing support for local teens.”
All proceeds from Encore at the Midway will benefit “Back on Track,” described as YMCA Northumberland’s transformative program for youth aged 12 to 17 who are facing a school suspension setback.
Since 2021, the program has helped students in partnership with eight area schools and two local school boards, providing individualized plans, skill development, and close family and school engagement to turn moments of crisis into opportunities for growth, empowering at-risk youth to reclaim their future, the release noted.
“When my daughter was suspended, we both felt lost,” shared a parent. “But what started as punishment became a phenomenal opportunity. By the end of her suspension, she returned to school happier, stronger, and more self-assured than I had seen her in a very long time. For our family, this program was a lifeline.”
With a maximum of 400 vehicle spots available each night, YMCA Northumberland expects the tickets will sell quickly.
Tickets are on sale now at ymcanrt.org/encore.
