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Mahoning Drive-In Debuts First-Ever Wine-Fest-Vendor Market

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/17 .. n-debuts-first-ever-wine-fest-vendor-market.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 13:41 GMT by Morning Call PA

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Mahoning Drive‑In to Host Carbon County’s First‑Ever Wine Fest Vendor Market

By the Morning Call Staff – Published 17 Nov 2025

The historic Mahoning Drive‑In Theatre in Carbon County is turning the silver‑screen past into a new kind of autumnal gathering: a first‑ever wine‑fest‑vendor market that will combine the region’s rich agricultural heritage with the unique ambience of a vintage drive‑in. Scheduled for the weekend of November 25‑26, 2025, the event will be held on the theatre’s sprawling grounds—an open‑air venue that has seen everything from the 1950s movie‑premieres to late‑night concerts and now, wine tastings.

A Snapshot of the Festival

• Dates & Hours
  - Friday, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  - Saturday, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Location
  The Mahoning Drive‑In Theatre, located at 115 Mahoning Rd., White Township, Carbon County, sits on a 30‑acre parcel that’s been lovingly restored to its original 1936 aesthetic. The venue’s restored marquee and classic “drive‑in” screen will be the backdrop for the market, while a separate “wine lounge” area—complete with vintage vinyl booths—will offer a more intimate tasting experience.

• Vendor Highlights
  More than 45 local vendors are slated to set up shop. Their wares include artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, craft breads, handmade chocolates, locally produced honey, fresh‑grown produce, and a selection of eco‑friendly household goods. The wine‑focused segment will feature over 30 local vineyards, with a particular emphasis on “small‑batch” and “farm‑to‑glass” offerings.

• Entertainment & Education
  Two local musicians will perform live acoustic sets during the evening hours. In addition, a panel of sommeliers will conduct a “Wine & Cheese Pairing” workshop on Saturday at 2 p.m., followed by a “Blind Tasting Challenge” for the public. The evening will close with a drive‑in screening of the 1978 cult classic The Big Chill, giving attendees a chance to enjoy a film while sipping their favorite regional wines.

Why Carbon County?

The festival’s organizers say the choice of the Mahoning Drive‑In was intentional: it represents a crossroads of community, commerce, and culture. “We’re celebrating not only the local vintners but also the unique way in which our county’s past and present intersect,” said Mary Thompson, director of the Carbon County Tourism Development Corporation (CCTDC). “The drive‑in is a beloved icon; pairing that nostalgia with the sensory pleasure of wine feels natural and exciting.”

Carbon County is already renowned for its picturesque landscape—home to the Pine Creek Gorge, Laurel Mountain, and a network of 400 miles of hiking trails. The county’s agricultural sector has diversified in recent years, with over 120 farms operating within the 2,000‑square‑mile region. Of particular note are the following local wineries that will be represented at the festival:

A link to each winery’s full wine list is provided on the festival’s Facebook event page, where visitors can pre‑order tasting kits and even reserve spots for the “Blind Tasting Challenge.”

A Nod to the Drive‑In’s History

The Mahoning Drive‑In Theatre itself has a story that spans almost a century. Opened in 1936 by entrepreneur Harold “Hank” Mahoney, the theatre originally screened classic westerns and early Hollywood dramas. After decades of decline, a group of local investors led by former college professor and film enthusiast Alan “Al” Brooks purchased the venue in 2015 and began an extensive restoration project. The marquee was refurbished, the projection screen was upgraded to HD, and a state‑of‑the‑art sound system was installed—all while preserving the theatre’s original Art‑Deco elements.

The restoration is now complete, and the Mahoning Drive‑In has already hosted a handful of community events—including a “Vintage Film & Food” night last year that drew nearly 3,000 visitors. The current event marks the first time the venue will host a wine‑centric festival, blending the region’s agricultural identity with its cultural heritage.

Community and Economic Impact

Local economic development experts estimate that the festival could bring in up to $750,000 in direct spending during the two‑day event, based on comparable festivals in neighboring counties. “We expect a spillover effect into nearby towns—restaurants, lodging, and retail shops will see a boost,” noted Mark Rivera, an analyst with the Pennsylvania Economic Development Council. The CCTDC reports that Carbon County has a 15 % increase in tourist visits since 2019, partially attributed to such innovative local events.

Vendor participation has already exceeded 95 % capacity, and the CCTDC is working with the City of Jim Thorpe to provide temporary parking and shuttle services. Local law enforcement will ensure safety protocols are in place, particularly for attendees who wish to participate in the drive‑in screening while enjoying the wine offerings.

How to Get Involved

• Tickets
  General admission is free, but “VIP Wine Tasting” packages—priced at $49 per person—include a private tasting with a sommelier, a signed wine bottle, and reserved seating for the film screening. Tickets for VIP packages can be purchased via the festival’s official Facebook page or at the Mahoning Drive‑In’s box office on Saturday.

• Volunteer Opportunities
  The festival seeks volunteers for a variety of roles, from ticketing and vendor coordination to event setup and cleanup. Interested parties can sign up online at the CCTDC volunteer portal.

• Marketing Partnerships
  Local businesses are encouraged to partner with the festival for cross‑promotional opportunities. The CCTDC is offering a limited number of “Community Sponsor” spots, which include logo placement on all event signage, a dedicated booth in the market, and a shout‑out in the pre‑event promotional video.

Final Words

The Mahoning Drive‑In’s wine‑fest‑vendor market promises to be a celebration of taste, tradition, and community. As Carbon County continues to nurture its agricultural roots, this festival serves as a model for how historic venues can be reimagined to support local economies and bring people together. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a foodie, a film lover, or simply a curious visitor to the area, the event offers a unique experience that blends the old‑school charm of a drive‑in with the refined pleasures of a modern wine festival. Mark your calendars for November 25‑26, and prepare to indulge in a weekend of wine, food, music, and cinema—all under the open skies of Pennsylvania’s storied Pine Creek Gorge.