Owners of drive-in theater in Milton-Freewater sell business to local family

In January of 2008, a windstorm rocked Milton-Freewater, blowing down M-F Drive-In Theater's big screen and destroying the fence surrounding it. Owner and operator Mike Spiess wasn't sure the Valley's only drive-in theater would survive. Then community members started showing up - 10, 20 a day - with work gloves and small donations that he refused to take.

They formed a work party and rebuilt the fence that surrounds the property. And when the theater opened back up with a brand new screen - debuting with a special viewing of "Shrek" - it was a transformative moment for the theater and for Spiess.

"Once we invested in (the screen), we were all in. And the number one factor really was the support of the community," Spiess said. "We just really, really fully understood how important the business was."

The Spiesses have been stewards of the drive-in since Mike's parents, Dick and Loretta, purchased the property in December 1961. Mike and his siblings - Ricky, Christy and Michelle - grew up working there, raised by parents who instilled the value of work before play.

The drive-in has been part of Mike's life since birth. But upon deciding to retire after 40 years in education, retirement from the business felt like a natural next step.

After 65 years caring for a family institution, Mike and his wife Lorie are selling the drive-in theater to the Brown family, a longtime family friend, with the hope that the community gathering place lives on for another generation.

Spiess has known the Brown family since childhood, and their children have worked at the theater in various capacities. When multiple offers came in, he said the choice was clear.

"We were very hopeful that whoever did buy it would keep it as a drive-in theater because it's a unique business," Spiess said. "We've been a part of the community for a long time, and we were hopeful that that would continue. And the Brown family is a very good fit to keep that going, I hope."

The Brown family could not be reached for comment before deadline.

Since taking over the business in the 60s, the Spiess family has had to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences.

Mike said his dad would often play the latest action movies, but through the years it became more apparent that family-minded movies drew more people of all ages to the drive-in theater.

The theater hosted graduation ceremonies, Easter services and virtual concerts during the COVID pandemic, cementing its role as a community event space beyond just showing films.

"We just feel like the drive-in should be a place where everybody should feel welcome," he said.

As a send-off for the Spiess family and welcome to the Brown family, the theater is organizing an appreciation event on the weekend of June 26 and June 27. "Toy Story 5" and "Hoppers" are confirmed for the double feature showing.

"I hope the whole month is fun to get to see everybody at least a couple more times," Spiess said.

Spiess said he has never experienced a summer that didn't involve the drive-in. He's not sure yet what that looks like - but he's not saying goodbye. "To be continued," he said.

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This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 10:15 PM.