NORWICH - The Colonia Theatre in Norwich recently announced that it will be opening a drive-in theater at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in the near future.

According to Colonia Theatre owner Rich Barnes, the drive-in theater was created as a safe way for his business to provide entertainment during the pandemic. Barnes said he hopes to hold a soft open this weekend by reservation only, and that the projector and screen are already set up.

“We’re looking at fully opening in the next two weeks, but we’ve decided that we may do a soft open this weekend,” said Barnes. “The two movies we’re looking at are The Goonies and The Little Giant, because Hollywood has made it so drive-ins can only show classic movies right now.”

“That might change soon depending on what happens with the coronavirus.”

Barnes said the theater is planning on working with Nina’s for concession foods, and there are a number of safety precautions in place to help reduce any potential coronavirus concerns.