The Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Department will hold a drive-in movie night on June 12 in which public domain cartoons of the 40s and 50s will be shown on a screen on the side parking lot of T.J. Davis Recreation Center.

The cartoons have been screened for any possible inappropriate content that were contained in shows of the time period.

The screenings are also in line with executive orders established by Governor Roy Cooper in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic, said Koy Worrell, T.J. Davis supervisor.

The cartoon night is a joint effort between T.J. Davis and the Jo Story Senior Center for Active Adults. 

There will be a 22-car maximum and a rain date and overflow date of June 13 has been set, said Thomas Goble, senior center supervisor.

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“We were motivated with what the churches were doing with parking lot services, Goble said. “The department as a whole has been creative in trying to keep people engaged.”

The department hopes the cartoon screening will work on two levels, Worrell said. “We hope it will be nostalgic for our older citizens and hope it will be something that children can experience as well.”

The department will use an FM transmitter so attendees can listen to the cartoons in their vehicles. In addition to the transmitter there will be speakers set up. Attendees will be encouraged to remain in their cars.

“If we have enough interest we’re looking at showing other TV shows and movies in the public domain,” Worrell said.

Worrell said he did similar screenings when he worked at Red Hill General Store in Hillsville, Virginia, and the events were met with enthusiasm.

If attendance reaches maximum capacity the rain date of June 13 will also be used as the overflow date.

There will be free popcorn and snow cones at the show.

Spots for the show can be reserved by calling 252-533-2847 extension 3.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 p.m. for the screening which begins at 8:45 p.m. and will run for around 45 minutes. Some of the featured cartoons include Superman, Popeye and Warner Brothers features which are now in public domain.

“I am very pleased and applaud the staff for the excellent programming ideas when we’re in the pandemic,” parks and recreation Director John Simeon said. “Being able to offer excellent programs and finding a way to deliver them in this time has not slowed down the staff of the parks and recreation department.”