13-24 Drive In: A Hub for Safe, Family-Friendly Entertainment
When our doors closed last spring, the Honeywell Foundation explored ways we could continue our mission to provide artistic, social, cultural and recreational opportunities for all, despite the hurdles of the pandemic.
The arts and entertainment have had to take a different shape in 2020, which has impacted all six of our properties: the Honeywell Center, Eagles Theatre, 13-24 Drive In, Honeywell House, Dr. James Ford Historic Home and Charley Creek Gardens.
While many live events and programs were on hold, one of these properties emerged as a fantastic avenue for socially distanced entertainment, community, and joy in the midst of hardship: the 13-24 Drive In.
With fresh air, open space, and poles that separate vehicles by about six feet, the Drive In is a perfect venue for socially distanced fun. Guests can enjoy outdoor entertainment with friends and family while avoiding crowds.
At the beginning of the season, we made some changes to ensure the safety of our guests and staff. Tickets are now available for contactless purchase online, as are concession stand treats through the FanFood app. Guests can “save time, skip the lines” by ordering their favorite snacks and beverages (including HOT drinks this fall) right from their smart phone or device. Safe and convenient!
Along with our usual family-friendly movie offerings, we've hosted a series of live concerts at the 13-24 Drive In, featuring both local and national talent.
The Honeywell Foundation’s long-standing Plaza Music Series, which traditionally takes place every Thursday in June on the Carpenter Plaza at the Honeywell Center, was moved to the Drive In. Rebranded as the Drive In Summer Music Series, the four free musical performances safely hosted more than 1,100 guests, who enjoyed the stylings of local talent including Moon Cats, SoulShot, Mason Dixon Line and the Mississinewa Valley Swing Band.
Top of the Charts, a concert featuring Wabash's own Terry LeMaster and Friends, was originally scheduled as part of Eagles Theatre opening, but also moved to the Drive In last June.
13-24 Drive In opened up its stage to national acts in July. In all, 1,364 cars carrying 6,387 guests attended seven large concerts at the 13-24 Drive In. Performances ranged from contemporary Christian artists like for KING & COUNTRY (check out their video below) and J.J. Weeks & Austin French, to rock tribute acts in Hairball and Pink Droyd, to country artists such as Lee Brice and Aaron Lewis & Ira Dean. We're continuing to host live shows at the Drive In this fall, with Chase Rice coming up in October.
The 13-24 Drive In has offered a little of something for everyone this summer. Not only has it provided opportunities for entertainment, but it has brought people together – something of great value during these socially distanced times.
Pictured: for KING & COUNTRY, Pink Droyd, Ira Dean, and Lee Brice