MidWay: 29591 W. 327th St. Paola, KS 66071 - Family owned/operated small business

Our mission, which started during Covid 2020 when we purchased MidWay, began as a revival for one of America's original 1950's Drive-In theaters. Our first success, and all-in, was a complete renovation of the concession stand that was in dire straits due to long term neglect.

With less than 300 drive-in's left in the U.S. that are still operational. and only five in Kansas, our mission is now not only focused on MidWay's revival, but MidWay's rescue!

Remember when video killed the radio star? Streaming might just kill the (drive-in) theater! With stagnant attendance, streaming services in abundance, rising costs of food, supplies and utilities to continue operation, MidWay is in jeopardy of becoming one of the 'closed forever' pieces of Americana.

While we have tremendous community support, loyal patrons that support MidWay by visiting multiple times a season, and many local businesses, churches and schools that continually support our mission, more help is needed to rescue and revive MidWay. Our hope is by sharing our story and plan for MidWay, plus the need for rescue, we can reach people outside of our local community who can help in saving this local treasure.

The neglect over previous decades has had a detrimental effect on this American Icon. Some of the items funding and donations would be used towards in helping with MidWay's survival are; fencing under the movie screen, that is needed in order to keep the play area safe for the kids (while also providing a barrier from road traffic), which is beyond repair, unsafe playground equipment that needs upgraded to meet current safety standards, aging/broken kitchen equipment that needs replaced to ensure food quality and efficiency, a new roof on the concession stand to prevent water damage and leaking, restroom updates and plumbing repairs to current lines and fixtures, just to name a few. After what was encountered during our concession renovation, we believed we could prepare for the battles to come but, the neglect, lack of basic maintenance, aging/broken kitchen equipment and buildings, proved otherwise.

Our goal is to make MidWay a safe KS family friendly destination to frequent, while staying cost friendly for those who visit. We hope to see MidWay thriving so we are able to help local communities by supporting charities, schools, churches, businesses, rescues and not-for-profits through fundraisers and donations, but we need your help! We appreciate your consideration and taking the time to read our story and plea.

We'd like to thank any and all individuals and/or businesses willing and able to help with MidWay's survival! It's near and dear to our hearts and history and we hope MidWay continues to be a part of our community for generations to come.

We are hopeful one day (soon) we can pay it forward once MidWay is revived and thriving!

FB: https://www.facebook.com/driveinatmidway?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Rescue MidWay's Revival

By The Drive-In @ MidWay

Rescue MidWay's Revival

Save a piece of Americana!