Fifth-grader launches petiton to save Iola drive-in theatre

IOLA -- In the past few days, more than 1,400 Southeast Kansas residents have signed a petition calling on B&B Theatres to stop its plans to close and demolish the historic 54 Drive-In in Gas, a Kansas landmark since it opened in 1951.

The petition drive has been led by Iola fifth grader Caleb Johnson, 10, who was upset by news reports in the Iola Register describing the theater company's plans to close the drive-in facility. Each weekend in the summer, the drive-in is packed with hundreds of movie-goers who attend the night's double features, according to a statement from the Iola Chamber of Commerce.

Despite strong attendance numbers, B&B Theatres has cited the cost of maintenance as the reason for closing the facility.

"All we're asking is for B&B to give the community where they were founded a chance to save an important part of its heritage," Deidra Johnson, Caleb's mother, said. "The out-of-town managers who made this decision seem to not care about our community or the role this plays in who we are. After years of letting the drive-in facility deteriorate our community stands ready to help refurbish it and bring it back to life in partnership with B&B Theatres."

Offers of local labor and donations of material have been made to get the theatre back into top condition. The drive-in is one of only eight theaters of its type remaining in Kansas.

Anyone interested in supporting the petition drive can contact Deidra Johnson at (620) 365-7489. Concerned area residents may also contact B&B Theatres Owner Bob Bagby at (816) 407-7469.