Ethan Mongue
Saco Drive-In
May 23, 2023
Now showing: Saco Drive-In set for rebirth in new location
Ethan Mongue
Aquaboggan Water Park was able to bring part of the old drive-in to its new home across Route 1, including the iconic sign.
The Saco Drive-In, a local landmark, was sold in 2022. But Saco residents can get ready for a summer of outside movie-watching because the drive-in has a new home.
Aquaboggan Water Park, at 980 Portland Road in Saco, will be the new home for the drive-in.
The park will open for the 2023 season on May 26 with a double feature of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" and "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish."
The Saco Drive-In will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June, with an expanded schedule possibly coming soon.
The outdoor theater will also have a concession stand for moviegoers' favorite snacks, including popcorn, pizza, ice cream, candy and drinks.
General manager Ethan Mongue told Mainebiz that Aquaboggan is pleased to be opening the Saco Drive-In this weekend at its new location.
“It was so disappointing to see the former location close, and while we understand it is not the same, we are excited to be able to continue to offer the outdoor movie experience for individuals and families for many years to come,” said Mongue.“We have had mostly incredible feedback and we hope that what we are doing here honors one of the oldest drive-ins in the nation.”
Ethan Mongue
Saco Drive-In movie screen.
The Saco Drive-In opened on U.S. Route 1 in Saco in 1939 and was the oldest drive-in in Maine and one of the oldest in the country.
“When the opportunity presented itself and everything became official, the new property owners were generous in allowing us to preserve as many items as possible from the original drive-in,” said Bud Hurst, owner of Aquaboggan and the Saco Drive-In. “While we intend to honor as much Saco Drive-In history as possible, the reality is that there are many issues with age, condition and feasibility of moving many of those pieces, even just across Route 1. The process of evaluating the items continues even as we start the projector this year.”
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