Sherry Dollar, recreation director at Churchill Street Center, is promoting the Golf Cart Drive-In, which will be held March 28-29 at The Villages Polo Fields. George Horsford / Daily Sun

At the drive-in

By JILL SHERMAN, DAILY SUN

THE VILLAGES - A change to Monday's schedule may be in order. Residents who typically meet their friends for coffee in the morning may opt to first stop at the nearest Villages Box Office location.

After all, Monday is the day tickets for the next Golf Cart Drive-In go on sale.

The Golf Cart Drive-In, presented by the Village Center Recreation Department, is planned for 7 p.m. March 28-29 at The Villages Polo Fields. Gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $10 per golf cart. Maximum occupancy per golf cart is four people.

Tickets for the popular event are limited and tend to sell out quickly.

“It's been a hit,” Churchill Street Center recreation director Sherry Dollar said, noting that the first Golf Cart Drive-In here took place in March 2004. “It's amazing how many people go.”

Six hundred tickets are available per night, and a different film will be shown on the giant film screen each night. Laws prevent the public announcement of film titles, but titles will be disclosed at the box offices and recreation centers - just stop in or call to inquire.

Dollar suggested drive-in attendees bring along food and beverages. A flashlight will be helpful in navigating the polo grounds once the sun sets. A portable FM radio will allow viewers to clearly tune in movie audio.

Lawn chairs are permitted and may be positioned for front-row seating.

“We'll have an area set aside,” Dollar said.

The early gate-opening time will give attendees a chance to do some picnicking before show time. The audience will be kept occupied, too, with plenty of recreation department-sponsored games and activities.

Though the featured films have all-star casts, seeing the films is not the sole reason many residents enjoy going to the Golf Cart Drive-In.

“You go for the atmosphere,” Dollar said.

Contact Dollar at 751-6200 for more information.

Jill Sherman is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be contacted at 753-1119, ext. 9253, or jill.sherman@the villagesmedia.com.