UPDATE from the Dreamland ON APRIL 28…
“We are simply blown away. In less than four days our community has raised more than $100,000 toward The Dreamland Drive-In at Bartlett’s Farm, AND we have JUST received a challenge gift of $25,000 from long-time friend and generous donor of The Dreamland, Seth Bernstein. That means from this point on, every dollar you give will be matched by Seth up to $25,000. This would get us over our goal for the entire campaign and provide us with some extra dollars to cover unexpected costs. A huge thanks to Seth and his family, and to EVERYONE who’s supported this campaign, donations large AND small have made it successful, and we can’t wait to see you all at the Farm.“
The Dreamland’s staff and board of directors in partnership with the Bartlett Family are pleased to announce the development of The Dreamland Drive-in at Bartlett’s Farm. Expected to accommodate up to 80 cars as well as a socially-distanced lawn seating area, The Dreamland has launched a Go Fund Me campaign seeking to raise an estimated $139,000 for the construction, projection equipment, and associated opening costs. These costs include $67,000 for a suitable projector capable of playing both first-run and classic films while providing a clear and bright picture for our patrons. The screen is expected to cost up to $50,000 and is currently in the design phase.
Meant to accommodate upcoming social-distancing guidelines set by the State of Massachusetts and Town of Nantucket this summer, The Dreamland Drive-In at Bartlett’s Farm will not only offer a safe option for gathering, it will fill an immediate need for the residents of Nantucket, all while creating an island tradition we will enjoy for years to come.
“In these extremely challenging times we’ve all been forced to become very creative, and it’s with that in mind the idea for the drive-in was conceived,” said Dreamland Executive Director Joe Hale. “As soon as we came up with the idea we knew that Bartlett’s Farm was the place it should be, and we’re so grateful to the entire family.”
Dates of operation are expected to be June through September and the screen and projector will be situated on the field adjacent to the Bartlett’s Farm grocery store parking lot. This lawn will feature a 40×20 foot constructed screen, meeting all safety and Town-issued guidelines.
Sound will not be projected through large speakers, but rather transmitted via an FM transmitter and received in patrons’ vehicles, or by utilizing a cellular phone application.
Ticket prices are expected to be charged per person, with a preference that all tickets be purchased electronically, and are expected to come in around $10 for adults; $5 for children.
There is expected to be one screening held each evening, weather permitting, beginning at dusk (approximately 8:45pm to begin and shifting earlier as the days get shorter). The Dreamland plans on offering limited concessions, sweatshirts and fleece blankets before and during screenings as the Bartlett’s grocery store closes prior to movie load-in.
Other sites including the Town-owned property at Tom Nevers field were considered for the project, but The Dreamland’s board of directors deemed Bartlett’s Farm to be the best course of action, due to proximity to town, impact to the immediate neighbors, etc.
“We’ve begun telling some folks about our plans and to a person everyone we’ve spoken to has reacted positively to the idea of a drive-in at the farm, but we need everyone’s help to accomplish our goal and get this drive-in up and running,” added Hale. “All donors will received a custom, commemorative car sticker to show that you supported this community effort.”
Normally open 365 days a year, The Dreamland relies on the Nantucket community and giving organizations to remain open and continually bring engaging and exciting programming to Nantucket’s shores.
Drawings of the layout will be made public as soon as they are completed.
A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Dreamland builds community on Nantucket year-round by bringing people together to share experiences through art, culture, film, and learning. For more information about becoming a member of the Dreamland, or to learn more, visit us at www.nantucketdreamland.org
