Looking back on the past few months, Marlene Nelson, part-owner of Stardust Drive-in, calls it "phenomenal".

Each year the goal is to open the drive-in theatre, located just west of Morden, on May long-weekend. This year, not only did it open on time, it did so with a new digital projector. This leap in drive-in theatre technology became necessary after 35 mm movies started being phased out. The digital projector allows Nelson to order more recent movies, and it displays a better quality image on the screen.

"That was a little stressful," Nelson said about switching to the digital projector. "We were only able to get the conversion done the Wednesday prior to opening up that weekend."

She was thrilled with the response, however, and Stardust Drive-In was open every weekend since May 21.

During the summer, the drive-in partnered with churches in Winkler and Morden for "outreach nights". Nelson said that offering different options for customers helped make the season more enjoyable. She mentioned one highlight was the appreciation night where "Twister" was shown.

"We were showing the movie as a "thank you" for everyone's part in helping to keep Stardust alive," said Nelson. A Kickstarter campaign ran last summer and raised over $30,000. The donations helped Nelson purchase the digital projector and keep the local attraction running.

Another event that kept things fresh at Stardust was Throw-back Thursdays, where old movies were shown Thursday nights. The first one, held in July, was sponsored by Investors Group and movie-goers were encouraged to bring canned food. At the end of the evening, 300 pounds of non-perishables was collected and donated to the Winkler Food Cupboard, and the Morden Caring and Sharing. Cash donations went to Donate Love in Morden.

Stardust Drive-In was one of the approved locations where the final concert of the Tragically Hip was shown. Nelson said $3,250 was raised that night and donated to South Central Cancer Resource.

Nelson grew up living next to Stardust. Later, she and her brothers worked at the drive-in, and bought the business from the previous owners when they were ready to sell.

"I think the movie business kind of chose us," Nelson said. "Once it's in your blood, it's in your blood."

The Stardust Drive-In has stood since at least 1964. That's the earliest date Nelson and her family can determine. It was her father, who opened Freund's Auto Parts in 1961, who told her the date it started. Nelson, along with her brothers and all their families, have owned and operated Stardust Drive-in since 2002.