County to Honor COVID-19 First Responders and Frontline Workers with Free Drive-in Movie Event

County to Honor COVID-19 First Responders and
Frontline Workers with Free Drive-in Movie Event

‘Thanks to the Heroes’ event at Overlook Drive-in on Sept. 23rd

Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced today the County will host a free movie event, “Thanks to the Heroes,” on Wednesday, September 23rd to thank first responders and frontline workers for their unwavering work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Overlook Drive-In, located at 126 DeGarmo Road in Poughkeepsie, will screen the Academy Award-winning 1985 hit film “Back to the Future;” gates will open at 7 p.m., with the movie beginning at approximately 7:45 p.m. Space for this rain-or-shine event is limited to the first 350 cars; first responders, frontline workers and their families are urged to arrive early to ensure their parking space.

County Executive Molinaro said, “So many residents throughout Dutchess County have stepped up to the unprecedented challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented, many putting in countless hours away from their loved ones to serve their community. Dutchess County is proud to partner with the Overlook Drive-In to provide these first responders and frontline workers a much-needed diversion from their months of tireless service, and we thank drive-in owners Barry and Carole Horowitz for donating their facility in support of the many local workers whose efforts have helped keep Dutchess County safe and healthy. Together, we look forward to hosting an evening of family fun for those who have given so much to our community during these uncertain times.”

From supermarket clerks who have worked to ensure shelves have been stocked with cleaning and disinfectant products, to daycare workers who have enabled parents who work in the healthcare profession to tend to those battling COVID-19, to postal and delivery employees who have worked non-stop during the pandemic to assure critical supply chains have been uninterrupted during the pandemic, the term “frontline worker” has been redefined as a result of COVID-19. The County’s “Thanks to the Heroes” event is open to first responders and all such workers who have contributed to fight the pandemic.

A full-service concession stand will be open during the event, with food and beverages available for purchase; no outside food or drinks are permitted.

The free “Thanks to the Heroes” movie event is latest example of Dutchess County’s efforts to thank first responders and frontline workers for their dauntless service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

County Executive Molinaro recently announced the “Dutchess Frontline” award program, presented in conjunction with Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver, which provides honorees who have exhibited extraordinary service to their community during the pandemic with a joint proclamation from the County Executive and the Legislature Chairman. Nominations can be submitted online at dutchessny.gov/dutchessfrontline.