BEDFORD, Pa. (WJAC) — Companies in Bedford County came together to find a silver lining to this pandemic: The Silver Lining Drive-In. The new drive-in theatre is located at the Bedford County Fairgrounds.

More than 60 companies collaborated during the coronavirus pandemic to create the drive-in movie screen.

“The idea was very appealing to a lot of people in the area. I think it was something that was very hopeful and positive during a time that didn’t feel hopeful. And what became of that was 61 business which provided supplies, resources and time. And because of that we have this big movie screen now,” said President & CEO of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, Kellie Goodman Shaffer.

The construction of the screen was done in record time with the goal in mind for it to be completed by Fourth of July weekend.

“The biggest thing is how quick this went together. From the dream that Kellie and the Chamber had to then the Fair board helping out with it and brining all the contractors together in such a short time. That right there is amazing. The other items is that It is a fiberglass panel board so that is something unique we were able to get them to run the production line to get the panels we needed, said project manager and owner of Coughenour Engineering, Royce Coughenour.

With the Bedford County fair and countless other summer events forced to cancel, this drive-in theatre acts as a glimmer of hope for the community.

“The canceling of the fair is probably the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do. This would’ve been our 147 so this made it a lot easier for us. And the board of directors jumped on this right away because this is something we could do for the community and maybe help ease the fact that we aren’t having a fair this year,” said Bedford County Fair Board member, Jim Edwards.

And the possibilities for this new screen are endless even after the pandemic has subsided.

“You can have concerts here. You can have seminars, family reunions here posting the big pictures there is so much possibility and we are really looking forward to it,” said Edwards.

Movies will be screened at the Silver Lining Drive-In every Saturday night from Fourth of July weekend until Labor Day weekend.

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfl7Klss6rm2abn6q7tcWMm6ysoZ6awLR5yaigp2WWpL%2BksdJmq6hlkqq2rbCMmmSdqpmrsm61zWaroZ2Rqb%2Bm