The Mahoning Drive-in Theater, located on Seneca Road in Lehighton, opens for its 67th season Friday with the showing of two classics: "The Wizard of Oz" and "Willy Wonka." Both films will also be shown on Saturday.

The theater has been recognized by The Philadelphia Inquirer for its decision to preserve its nostalgic look and feel by exclusively showing retro classic movies on original 35 mm film. This, as well as offering overnight camping on the lot, has set the drive-in apart."Letting the public know we are moving into classic prints and holding larger themed events each weekend is our goal" said Virgil Cardamone, theater manager. "We have been operating since 1949 and are proud to exclusively present 35 mm prints on a 109-foot CinemaScope screen, which is the second-largest in the U.S. Our model is certainly against the norm, but we feel very strongly about keeping 35 mm presentation alive and bringing classic titles to the drive-in experience."There are many exciting things happenings this season. An award-winning documentarian is capturing the experience of running with original 1947 equipment, the challenges of acquiring and projecting 35 mm prints and refusing to go digital."We transferred back to full reel to reel (as it was run in 1949) on our pristine Simplex Projectors last season. Our projectionist is a true artist and the twin projectors are a sight to behold," Cardamone said.The drive-in has worked with a local artist who painted a mural on the concessions stand in the offseason. Work has begun on painting the classic marquee.Planned events for the 2016 season include: '80s weekend with "Breakfast Club" and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," Zombie Fest (three full nights of horror films), Scouts event and family weekend, Mahoning Monster event (featuring "Kong" and "Godzilla"), a car show with Tamaqua Street Team and more.For more information visit

www.mahoningdit.com, Facebook or call 215-450-5914.