When the Winter Drive-In opened with one screen in 1969, who could imagine that it would grow to four screens and Dolby Stereo Sound?

"It's been a labor of love," said Ross Falvo, owner of Colonial Cinemas, which purchased the drive-in in 2000. The road marquee will be updated for the 2007 season, which began in April.

"The people in the area love the drive-in," he added. "And we like that families are attracted to the drive-in."

Sight and sound were the first concerns under the new ownership, so soon updates began on the sound and projection equipment.

Now, the sound is all Dolby FM Stereo.

Elvis Presley was the featured performer in the drive-in's first presentation of the movie "Charro" when the business opened with a single screen in October 1969. The co-feature was "With Six You Get Egg Roll," starring Doris Day.

Next, new owners wanted to make the presentation better than it had ever been, so they moved their interest to the field and made improvements to the field conditions so that people could see better on any of the screens.

The third screen was added in 2001, and the fourth screen was completed in 2004.

Over the last few years, the concession stand has been fully remodeled and now features an extensive menu with food prepared and cooked to order so that it is always fresh, Falvo said.

He noted that the drive-in uses local suppliers to help support the local economy.

More improvements are being planned for the future.

"The people of the Ohio Valley have been gracious in their support of the drive-in, and that is appreciated. We are looking forward to a successful season and thank them for their patronage," Falvo said.

The Winter Drive-In is located at 400 Luray Drive in Wintersville, Ohio, just off of state Route 43. For more information, prices and showtimes, go to www.winterdrivein.com.