This space is seldom used to promote a private business, but an exception can be made for Oak Harbor’s Blue-Fox Drive-in movie theater.

The Blue Fox transcends the term “private,” because islanders consider it their own. In most memories it’s always been there, and the assumption is it will always be there. But without consistent community support we could lose our drive-in theater, just like most communities in the U.S. already have lost theirs.

Thanks to the Bratt family that has owned the Blue-Fox since 1988, it’s a going concern today with first-run movies, FM sound, a modern concession area, and plenty of other things for kids to do, such as go-carts and video games.

It’s great family entertainment, and, of course, a great place to take a date. For many people, memories of their youth on Whidbey Island wouldn’t be complete without recalling the good times had at the Blue Fox Drive-in with family and friends.

The 2005 Whidbey Scenic Isle Way Corridor Management Plan recognizes the importance of the Blue Fox by listing it as one of the “intrinsic qualities” that make Highway 20 special, right along with Deception Pass State Park, the Greenbank Farm, Meerkeerk Gardens and two dozen other treasured attractions.

By working from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. most days, the Bratt family keeps the drive-in business financially sound. However, any drive-in in a growing community is threatened by development and rising land prices. As a result of those pressures, most drive-ins in this state have already disappeared, dwindling from 40 in the 1950’s to only eight today.

While the corridor management plan lists the Blue Fox as a “historical, cultural and recreational” resource, calling it “a blast from the past,” it makes no recommendations regarding its future. Government could have a role to play, perhaps by loosening sign restrictions on such cultural resources so they can better advertise their presence.

For the average islander, the best way to assure the future of the Blue-Fox is to go there and enjoy a double feature from time to time. As the Bratts point out, most of the ticket sale revenues go to the movie companies, so they depend on food sales to make a profit. Instead of bringing your own, buy your Philly steak sandwiches, curly fries, pizza, popcorn, sodas, and candy at the Blue-Fox snack bar. As they say, it’s homemade and fresh, and it’s a tasty way to assure our drive-in theater will provide fond memories for generations to come.