The Boutin family - owners of Carlyle's Prairie Dog Drive-In - invite anyone wishing to honour a loved one who has passed on to join them at the drive-in, Saturday, June 3 for their third annual Memorial Night.
“It's our third annual Memorial Night,” says Ray Boutin. “We started the event in 2015 to mark our dad's passing. Dad - Lionel Boutin – loved to pass the time at the theatre in his later years meeting and greeting people. He was always tickled by the flow of people coming through the gate and would often greet folks as they were waiting in line.”
“We invite people to email a picture of their loved one whom we will include in the (movie) intermission slide show and we'll allow time for folks to light and release a Chinese lantern at intermission with the assistance of members of Carlyle Fire and Rescue.”
“Lanterns can be purchased beforehand at The Pearl Boutique in Carlyle or at the theatre that evening,” adds Boutin. “All of the proceeds plus matching donations from Halls Funeral Services, McGeough Zepick Law Office and Performance Realty will be donated to the Mya Fehrenbach Memorial Fund, Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge, Carlyle Fire and Rescue and the Kenosee Boys and Girls Camp.”
“Last year, we had a great turnout,” he says. “And the year before -on our first Memorial Night - we had close to 100 lanterns released. People were really touched and every year, we have people from so many communities in our area and beyond attend.”
“We were overwhelmed by the response and I'd like to think that Lionel would have been smiling, because we'd filled the place.”
This year's Memorial Night Movie is Beauty and the Beast. Gates open at 8:15 p.m.
To honour a loved one by projecting a photo of them on the Prairie Dog screen during the movie's intermission, please email or text a photo of your loved one, along with their name and memorial dates to: [email protected] or (306)-577-5031. Deadline for photos is noon, Saturday, June 3.
