Rina Frye's family goes to the Star Vu Drive-In every weekend, but on Friday, June 10, a wind storm destroyed a portion of the screen and leveled the box office.

Owner Kenny Cole decided it would be too costly to reopen the drive-in theater ... and the second oldest drive-in in the state closed.

Tonight, the Star Vu Drive-In will reopen because a group of citizens, led by Keith and Rina Frye, have spent their summer bringing the theater back to life.

Mike Fagg, Day Radebaugh, Linda Jolly, Gus Collins, Larry Powell, Rebecca Holloway and Kenny Cole joined the Fryes in working and raising funds to save what they consider one of the most affordable family entertainment options in El Dorado. Joining the volunteer effort were CDH Incorporated, which poured a floor for the box office; the Chamber of Commerce Junior Ambassadors, who did cleanup; Mike Glendening, who did electrical work; and Steve Shannon, who did tree cleanup. Fagg joined the volunteer effort because he feels the drive-in is an asset for the town. "There are a lot of good families that come out here," he said. The movies showing tonight will be on a newly repaired and painted screen. Repairs remain to be made, however, including a fence that needs to be replaced. Volunteers and funds are still needed to complete the project at Star Vu Drive-In. T-shirts that say "Save the Stars" are being sold for $10, and can be purchased at the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce or through Keith or Rina Frye. Cash donations are also appreciated, and are tax-exempt. Party Lite Candles are also being sold by Rebecca Holloway to raise funds, and 100 percent of the proceeds from t-shirts and candles will go to benefit the drive-in.

On tonight's schedule at 6 p.m. an antique and hotrod car show will begin the night followed by Bad News Bears beginning at dusk.

To purchase a t-shirt, or for more information about the volunteer and fund-raising effort, contact the Fryes at 322-7944, or e-mail them at thefryezoo@cox.net.

Originally published online here: http://www.eldoradotimes.com/articles/2005/08/15/news/news1.txt