The Midway Drive-In in Minetto is joining a growing list of Central and Northern New York businesses affected by a steady diet of rain in the region.
The owners had hoped to open for their 71st season on May 24, but the weather turned their entire lot into a “wet sponge,” according to a message posted on Facebook.
This isn’t the first time the Midway Drive-In has been the target of aggressive storms. In July 2014, the old screen was ripped apart by the force of wind. A gaping hole in the center spelled doom for repair efforts.
It appeared the local tradition for many families was coming to an end. But neighbors, customers, and friends rallied to raise money for then-owner John Nagelschmidt Sr. to replace the screen.
A more personal storm threatened the Drive-In's future when Nagelschmidt Sr. suddenly died during a backhoe accident on the grounds as he prepared for the 2017 season. As they grieved, his children worked to pull together a plan so the business wouldn’t have to be sold or closed.
With a couple of seasons under their belts, Heidi Nagelschmidt and her brother, John Jr., are learning to roll with the punches. All the while, they’re letting regular customers know it may just take a bit more patience to overcome the next hurdle.