New light after storm

Just a few months ago, a winter storm reduced the arrow atop the Mahoning Drive-in Theater marquee to a heap of twisted metal.

But thanks to a group of local contractors and theater supporters, the sign now looks a lot like it did when the theater first opened in 1948.

A group of supporters gathered along on Route 443 in Mahoning Township Friday night to unveil the restored marquee.

Spearheaded by local contractor Mazzella Enterprises LLC, a local effort came together and rebuilt the iconic 70-year-old marquee arrow. Friends of the theater donated over $6,000 to an online fundraiser.

The chrome 3-D letters on the sign shined brighter than they have in many years. A new coat of paint made it unmissable.

Virgil Cardamone, a film booker for the Mahoning Theater, called the restoration a dream come true.

“Everything here has been divine for us.And in a weird way, Mother Nature brining down that sign was divine, because this is honestly just as good if not better. You guys have done an incredible job,” he said.

Mazzella, with assistance from engineer Joy Beers and the welding and fabrication program at Northampton Community College came up with a way to maintain the look of the sign, while giving it a sturdy modern interior.

Ryan Bohn, instructor of welding program at Northampton Community College, is also a lover of the Mahoning Drive-In Theater himself. He and his students, particularly Chris Cherewaty, helped provide the specialized tools that were needed to bend and shape the metal. Bohn said the uniqueness of the project reflects the real-world situations that his students will face.

“It’s a real life project,” Bohn said.

Chris Mazzella said the company he owns with his brother normally does home improvements and renovation. But they welcomed the opportunity to think outside the box on a project like the Mahoning marquee. They have developed a partnership after painting the theater’s massive screen last year.

“We usually renovate houses, windows doors and crawl spaces, but it’s fun to do something like this,” he said.

Cardamone said that when his group reopened the theater a few years ago, it was in their long-term plans to restore the key elements of the theater. The storm just pushed their plans forward somewhat.

The event was filled with fanfare. A time capsule was assembled to be placed “in the belly of this beast,” said Demetri Patitsas, business manager for Mazzella. Kathy Henderson, from the Carbon County Economic Development, was on hand to cut the ribbon. Her father once worked as a carhop at the theater, so it was emotional when the sign fell.

“Mazzella guys, you’re awesome, you rock. Virgil, you and Jeff (Mattox, theater owner), thank you so much for bringing our drive in back to life,” she said.