NORTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — A Lehigh Valley treasure is about to share its magic on a national platform.
Shankweiler’s, renowned as the oldest continuously operating drive‑in theater in the country since 1934, soon will be showcased to millions across the country.
The theater’s husband-and-wife owners, Matthew McClanahan and Lauren McChesney, have announced on social media they’ll soon be featured on ABC-TV's "Good Morning America."
“They’re not just talking about us, they’re actually coming out to the drive-in to film, so we need your help,” McChesney said in the video announcement.
And now the buzz is building fast.
The couple said "GMA" will be at the drive-in on Friday, July 11 — but not during the movies.
“This is 'Good Morning America,' so we’re going to be opening the theater a little bit outside our normal operating hours,” McClanahan said.
And they’ll need help “to add some hustle and bustle” to the big moment.
Be part of history
If you want to be part of the crowd when Shankweiler’s shines on national television, there’s one big thing you’ll have to do — sign up to be part of their email list and watch for all the details.
“In our email we are going to release details in the coming weeks about how you can pre-register to be part of this shoot,” McClanahan said. He said information will be provided there first.
“You’re going to want to be in the know,” he said.
And while daylight will prevent the couple from showcasing a film or two on the big screen during "GMA," they will set up the traditional Shankweiler’s experience.
“We’re setting it up as though we’re all here enjoying a feature at the drive-in,” McClanahan said.
The snack bar will be open and popcorn will be available — with details still being ironed out, the couple said.
“We just couldn’t hold this in any longer,” McClanahan said.
'We hope you can join us'
The couple are the fourth set of owners in Shankweiler's history, having bought the property in the fall of 2022.
Since then, the theater has been thriving — particularly among the younger demographic.
McChesney told LehighValleyNews.com last year attendance among 18-to-34 year-olds had nearly doubled year-over-year.
Shankweiler’s was the second drive-in theater ever built in the United States, in 1934, and is the oldest existing drive-in theater in the country.
The drive-in currently boasts more than 39,000 followers on TikTok, 25,000 followers on Instagram and more than 47,000 on Facebook.
As the social media announcement spreads on "GMA" coming to town, they hope fans will come out and show their support.
“We’re excited to be part of it, and we hope you can join us,” McClanahan said.
