As summer returns to Star Valley, the local drive-in theater is gearing up to provide a relaxed and affordable night out, complete with expanded food options and a unique outdoor experience.

Each year, Emily Martin hopes to improve the experience of the drive in movies at the Box-H Park in Fairview. “We’ve tried to create an opportunity for a rich environment, beautiful scenery where people can enjoy each other, where it’s affordable, and just enjoy the outdoors of Wyoming,” said Martin.

This year, moviegoers can enjoy more than just classic popcorn and snacks, with expanded dinner options including hot dogs and nachos. Other concessions include popcorn, candy, cotton candy and root beer floats. The first drive-in movie of the season, “Zootopia 2”,  will take place at sunset on Friday, May 29. Box-H will show national pride as the nation celebrates America 250 by having a showing of “National Treasure” on Friday, July 17.

The drive-in encourages folks to be creative when it comes to how guests enjoy the show. “We’ve had lots of people that will bring a truck and put a mattress in the back or lawn chairs,” Martin said. “People have really gotten creative in how they watch movies. It’s just fun to see. We encourage all of that.”

Audio for the films is provided through a radio frequency rather than traditional speakers. “Each vehicle provides their own audio,” Martin said, adding that “a portable radio, if you’re going to sit outside of your car, is a great option. Or just the radio within your car.” Using WIFI on phones is discouraged due to the sound delay that can occur.

Admission is priced per vehicle rather than per person. “It’s $20 per vehicle and it doesn’t matter how many people you bring with you. Pack them in,” Martin said. The venue can accommodate “about 100 cars in the park.”

Concessions can be ordered from vehicles. “You scan a QR code when you come in the gate, which loads our concessions menu. Then you can text your order in and they’ll deliver it out to your car or you can go in the building,” Martin said.

Weather can occasionally impact showings, particularly wind. “Wind is our biggest problem just because of the screen. It can easily tear the screen,” Martin said. “If we want, we can accommodate rain, but the wind really is our biggest problem that causes us to have to reschedule.”

For updates, including weather-related changes, organizers direct attendees to social media @FairviewBox-HPark.