A beloved holiday tradition in Lenoir County is at risk after strong winds destroyed the permanent drive-in movie screen at the Lenoir County Fairgrounds over the weekend. The Rotaract Club of Lenoir County, which has hosted the Annual Drive-In Movie Night for the past five years, is now asking for the community’s help to rebuild in time for this December’s event.

“We love hosting this event every year and have cherished meeting so many smiling faces over the past five years,” said Caitlin Wilson, president of Rotaract of Lenoir County. “Our community loves this tradition, and with their support, we can rebuild and keep it alive for generations to come—every dollar counts toward making it happen.”

The movie screen, built in December 2023, was an effort by Rotaract to create a lasting, high-quality viewing experience after years of using temporary setups. The event, which brings families together for a nostalgic drive-in movie night, has become a staple in the community, and Wilson said they are determined to keep it going.

“We’re heartbroken not only because the wind took down our screen, but because this screen has brought so many laughs, smiles, and families together for the holidays,” Wilson said. “We want to make sure we rebuild it because we know the community loves it just as much as we do.”

Fundraising Efforts Underway

To raise the necessary funds, Rotaract has launched a GoFundMe campaign and is accepting donations through PayPal and mailed contributions.

🔹 Donate via GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/fccade97
🔹 Send a donation via PayPal: https://www.paypal.biz/lenoircountyrotaract
🔹 Mail a check to:
Rotaract of Lenoir County
310 Airport Rd
Kinston, NC 28504

Additionally, Rotaract is planning a fundraising event on April 5, with a car show and vendor event to help support the rebuild. The details are still being finalized, including the location, but Wilson said an official announcement will be made on their Facebook page as soon as plans are confirmed.

“We want to rebuild this screen so we can continue hosting this amazing event, giving families a fun, relaxing night together while bringing back the nostalgia of a classic drive-in movie,” Wilson said.

Rotaract encourages community members to donate, spread the word, and stay updated on their Facebook page for more information on fundraising efforts and upcoming events.