Cars Under the Stars - Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory 

A fun evening is in store as we close out the summer with an old-fashioned night at the drive-in featuring another classic movie!  The event will be held at the parking lot at Chase Farm Park where you can tune in via your car radio and watch the movie projected on the large screen at the back of the blacksmith shop. 

Gene Wilder stars as "The Candy Man" in this 1971 version of the beloved movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Wilder's playful portrayal of Willy Wonka with his manic energy is considered his signature role. This family movie, although really enjoyed by all ages, can be described as delightful, funny, scary, exciting, and, most of all, a genuine work of imagination, along with a good dose of familiar musical numbers.  The movie is an adaption of the book by British author Roald Dahl in 1964.  Dahl has been called "one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century."

In the movie, everyone is astounded when Willy Wonka, for years a recluse in his chocolate factory, announces that five lucky people will be given a tour of the factory, shown all the secrets of his amazing candy, and one will win a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate. Nobody wants the prize more than the very poor, young Charlie. Four children along with Charlie get the chance of a lifetime and a tour of the factory. Wonka has hidden five Golden Tickets inside his chocolate bars.  The finders are rewarded with a tour of his factory and a lifetime supply of chocolate. The children are unaware, though, that the tour is also a competition to test their moral character. As the tour proceeds, four of the children are eliminated, leaving Charlie Bucket as the lucky winner. 

Feel free to bring along lawn chairs to set up outside your car, and blankets of course for the kids to snuggle up in. Arrivals should be planned for after 7:00 p.m. but before the movie  begins after sunset around 7:30 p.m. 

 A $20 admission per car includes the movie and a chocolate candy bar given by "Willy Wonka" to each car.  One lucky car may find a golden ticket inside!  The prize?  A VIP pass for a family of four to the BeWitched & BeDazzled Fall Festival at Chase Farm on October 1st! 

At our concession stand, there will be freshly popped popcorn, beverages and candy of course!  There's also a chance to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a prize in our Summer Raffle.            PLEASE BRING CASH as we're not able to process credit cards at this location. 

Space is limited to 30 cars.  Advance registration and ticket sales are required through the link below.

Proceeds from this event help support our programs at the four historic properties at the Great Road Heritage Campus---Hearthside, the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, the Moffett Mill and the Pullen's Corner Schoolhouse---where we bring history to life for all ages, and especially for families to enjoy together.