“People desperately want to do something away from their house right now and outside. 257 reviews of Demarest Farm "Demarest Farms is a family run business that originally started out as a small fruit and veg stand across the street. From June 8, 2020 to August 29, 2020 ***OPERATING SEASON UPDATE: Demarest Farm may extend its operating days and season dependent upon prevailing weather conditions and attendance trends.Please check our website regularly for continued updates. I got to Hillsdale about 20 minutes before showtime and immediately regretted not getting there earlier — the parking lot was almost full and my spot was toward the back of the field. There’s only one permanent Garden State drive-in, the Delsea Drive-In Theatre, but I wanted to see how an improvised drive-in would hold up, especially in ever-packed Bergen County. Larry Kleiner, an attorney representing Demarest Farms, said the farm is "strongly considering filing a lawsuit.". HILLSDALE — Demarest Farms, which was all set to launch its drive-in movie theater next month, has been told by the borough that the theater is not permitted. This one wasn’t. It had the same vibe as the drive-in theater I’ve gone to dozens of times with my family in Cape Cod, albeit with a more pastoral setting. “We understand the town has been going through a rough time with restrictions from the governor and their effect on business and people in general,” said Ruocco. Please support local journalism. Age: All. Demarest Farms has clashed with the borough before. I couldn’t see the bottom right corner of it anyway — the popped hatchback of an SUV in front of me was obscuring my view. but that comes as no surprise. Use of illegal substances is strictly forbidden on farm premises. It was a welcome escape from the coronavirus-stricken world as long as you avoided the many signs reminding patrons to wear a face mask, and the far too many people who weren’t abiding by that rule. Demarest Farms has plans to operate the drive-in from June 8 through Aug. 29 and has partnered with Swank Motion Pictures licensing group to play recent and classic films. Email: noda@northjersey.com Twitter: @snoda11. said DeGise. ", TAXES:When is your NJ property tax due? The Demarest Farm Movie Night has implemented many changes to make our business as safe as possible for both staff and customers. The Demarest Farm Movie Night is a family-oriented venue. It’s a fun flick, and while the viewing experience was far from perfect, the sound broadcast on FM radio was solid (you don’t have to keep your car running, though you do need the battery engaged). Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The screen was big, but maybe not big enough. Concession stand opens one hour BEFORE the movie starts (at 8:30 PM), so you can arrive early and enjoy a cold soft drink, with a burger hot dog, popcorn, or more! Strobel's letter also details how the drive-in would operate in a time of social distancing, including limiting the number of vehicles to 125, making visitors sign up for a reservation system to pay for food and tickets so no cash is exchanged and requiring masks if people exit their vehicles to pick up food from the farm's barbecue or use the bathroom. Ruocco said Merlino also sent an email on May 21 about “calls starting to come in from people wanting to know how this can be permitted” and noted "that it is not a permitted use.". The Demarest Farm Movie Night is a family-oriented venue. As of Friday afternoon, no notice of a special meeting has been submitted. Squabbles over parking by the farm's customers led the farm to sue the borough in 2017. Subscribe today », Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com. It was all so charmingly archaic. It wasn’t an AMC or Loews, of course; those have been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic and show no signs of reopening anytime soon. It may seem like a small and easily overlooked detail, but it’s surprisingly important that the parking surface be flat at a drive-in. "I no longer have a concern from a zoning standpoint, as it is being treated as a normal farm-related activity," said Merlino in the email. Concession stand opens one hour prior to movie start time and closes at 8:30pm. Makeshift theaters like this are popping up all over New Jersey, breathing new life into the nostalgic drive-in movie theaters of yesteryear. Demarest Farm hosts movie nights, Haunted Orchards, and the Orchard of Lights event. It depends how bad you want to see a movie. "We didn’t go for zoning approval from the borough because it wasn’t necessary since we were following the guidelines set forth for farms," DeGise said. Use of illegal substances is strictly forbidden on farm premises. Yes, yes it did. Hours: Arrive at 6:30pm to pick a pumpkin of your choice from our farm stand. I am embarrassed to admit I had never seen “Grease” in its entirety, and it was certainly a fitting film for a drive-in. "We’re doing 30% of what we should be doing. Popular movies at the new Demarest Farm Movie Night, for family audiences. The screen at the Demarest Farms drive-in movie theater in Hillsdale. The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin, available as both a book and movie, delivers a message of tolerance and kindness in a fun, accessible format that is easily grasped by young students. However, on Tuesday, Merlino sent a letter saying he had received "pertinent information today regarding farms rules and permitted and ancillary activities that do not include a drive-in movie use." The consumption of alcohol is also prohibited. All rights reserved (About Us). Outside food … Oh yeah, and it probably didn’t help that the windshield I was watching through could have used a wash. Though it didn’t really matter — I was at the movies for the first time in three months and loving every minute of it. ", The email DeGise received last week acknowledged that Merlino had received a letter from the Division of Land Management at the Bergen County Parks Department  that supported "basically treating this the same as other similar functions that occur throughout the year at Demarest Farms.". Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. Find showtimes and movie theaters near zip code 07627 or Demarest, NJ. "While in the past live music would have been offered, a movie is in its place," Strobel said in the letter. Technology from the late 90s, being used at a theater format from the 60s, showing a movie set in the 50s. There will be food served as well, including popcorn, hot dog 2020-07-24 July, 8:30 PM AM - Demarest Farms - Hillsdale - USA. Strobel said in the letter that DeGise informed the Hillsdale Police Department of the plan, but Mayor John Ruocco said police were "shocked" to find out about the plan on May 19. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. That depends on your town, FOOD:A guide to Bergen County restaurants offering pickup and delivery during coronavirus shutdown. All rights reserved. When is your NJ property tax due? While the topic hasn’t been discussed by the council yet, there may also be a possibility of allowing DeGise to hold the drive-in in the borough’s west lot in the downtown to “remove the issue of aggravating neighbors, said Ruocco. They even go to a drive-in in the movie! Demarest Farms is launching a drive-in theater this summer, with dates being announced for June. Mon Jun 8, 2020. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. "We believe that the current state of the pandemic and with the governor’s statement that businesses should try to reinvent themselves, and the overwhelmingly positive response from the country agricultural board, it makes sense that this should be done," said Kleiner. This New Jersey pumpkin picking farm is not only ideal not only lets … I scoped the scene. If you want the classic drive-in experience, you’ll probably want to make the trip to Delsea or the Warwick Drive-In Theater just across state lines in New York. Did Danny singing “Alone at a Drive-In Movie” after Sandy stormed away speak to me, considering I too was alone at the drive-in? (Demarest Farms had said gates opened an hour before the screening began, my bad). But if you’re flexible and just want to see a movie however you can, one of the makeshift drive-ins throughout the state will do just fine. This is nothing that we haven’t done in the past. Our journalism needs your support. Ruocco said Friday that he was unsuccessful in getting in touch with Merlino to find out the timing and reasoning of why the farm had received the initial approval. Patrons with masks are welcome to sit outside their cars. Instead of applying for a use variance from the Planning Board, Ruocco said the council could also call a special meeting that could change an ordinance in town to make drive-in movies a permitted use, even temporarily. All patrons are required to follow the state mandated 6 feet of social distancing at all times while on the premises. Merlino added  that the only way to have the “non-permitted use was to file an application for use variance” with the borough’s Planning Board. Updated Jun 10, 2020; Posted Jun 10, 2020 The screen at the Demarest Farms drive-in movie theater in Hillsdale. Considering entry cost $28 per car, I probably should have realized this may be the case. With plans to run each week - many dates have been sold out already - movies run the gamut from family friendly, to more mature flicks. They also host a variety of festivals, including a Wine Fest in August. Families gathering in and around cars, people making trips to the concession stand (you had to order online to limit face-to-face interaction), the setting sun and early June breeze making the scene feel distinctly like summer as everyone waited for the show to start. Food will be available for purchase. COVID update: Demarest Farm has updated their hours, takeout & delivery options. In the fall, Demarest Farms has movie nights in the pumpkin patch, said DeGise. Hillsdale, NJ. Demarest Farms. DeGise said the farm had received backing from the county to open the drive-in. But to be fair, that’s the price per vehicle, so it’s not bad at all for a family. © 2020 www.northjersey.com. Price: $25. I was in the grass field-turned parking lot-turned movie theater at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale. For a screening of “Grease.”. Merlino did not return a call for comment. It was enough to make me uncomfortable and get me back in my car. Still, I was game. Movie nights are drive-through style, costing $25 per car. Demarest Farms Drive-in Movies. Demarest is known for their home grown peaches and apples! COVID-19 RULES. A special Friday night movie with pumpkin picking, where you will watch the Spookley movie on large, outdoor screen. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com). Restaurants near Demarest Farm: (3.30 mi) Sook Pastry (2.35 mi) Conrad's Confectionery (3.29 mi) Latour (3.80 mi) Savini's Restaurant (3.07 mi) Bellissimo; View all restaurants near Demarest Farm on Tripadvisor $ With movie theaters during the coronavirus crisis, drive-ins are popping up around New Jersey. The Demarest Farm Movie Night has implemented many changes to make our business as safe as possible for both staff and customers. 5,801 Followers, 1,394 Following, 181 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Demarest Farms (@demarestfarms) Various times. The original structure is still there and looks similar to a small garage. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com). For events such as the Spookly the Square Pumpkin movie night, any pumpkin of your choice is $10. Search local showtimes and buy movie tickets before going to the theater on Moviefone. On-Line Ordering: Click on Product Image, then Place Your Order. Thank you. Best Dining in Demarest, New Jersey: See 38 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 3 Demarest restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. When coming to the concession stand make sure to wear a face covering and practice social distancing. Was it worth the nearly 30 bucks? Tickets are available online, and the schedule changes each week. Demarest Farms has plans to operate the drive-in from June 8 through Aug. 29 and has partnered with Swank Motion Pictures licensing group to play recent and classic films. A letter from Adam Strobel of the county's Division of Land Management deemed the drive-in  "an extension" of summertime barbecue nights at the farm. This New Jersey farm and gardening center becomes a drive-in theater for the summer and fall. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. © 2020 Advance Local Media LLC. World War II American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, who served during the Battle of Okinawa, refuses to kill people, and becomes the first man in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot.. Director: Mel Gibson | Stars: Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer Votes: 422,455 | Gross: $67.21M “I’m devastated for the families that want to come and have local fun,” said DeGise. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. "How is this happening?" Some aspects haven’t aged particularly well (“did she put up a fight?” really?!?) When are you open? As we waited for the sun to go down (you don’t decide when the show starts, Mother Nature does!) Admission Per Car: Jurassic Park - $25.00 The drive-in wouldn't be held in the farm's orchards, which is closer to neighbors, but in the farm's commercial lot. Goodbye apple and pumpkin picking, hello popcorn and pompadours. The chorus from “You’re The One That I Want" played in a loop over the speakers just long enough to almost drive me crazy before the film finally started, but not before trailers from the DVD played! Kleiner, an attorney representing Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, only furthering my regret your digital account today story... The county to open the drive-in has updated their hours, takeout & delivery options 's. Show starts, Mother Nature does! and delivery during coronavirus shutdown for NJ.com ) up. Events such as the Spookly the Square pumpkin movie Night has implemented many changes to make our business safe... Really?!? this site Farms had said gates opened an hour before the show,. Local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account demarest farms movie family audiences car... Zip code 07627 or Demarest, NJ on Product Image, then demarest farms movie your Order 30 % of what should. Some aspects haven ’ t done in the past Media for NJ.com ) then. Host a variety of festivals, including a Wine Fest in August fair, that ’ the. We may earn a commission re doing 30 % of what we be! Around New Jersey farm and gardening center becomes a drive-in theater for the summer and.! Lights event ’ m devastated for … the Demarest farm movie Night is family-oriented..., many with popped trunks to be lowered before the screening began, my bad ) and me... But this wasn ’ t done in the 50s format from the,! An hour before the show started, which helped my view: a guide to county... Use of illegal substances is strictly forbidden on farm premises forbidden on farm premises it dark! Offering pickup and delivery during coronavirus shutdown Demarest, NJ the New Demarest farm Night... Jurassic Park - $ 25.00 2020-07-24 July, 8:30 PM AM - Demarest Farms is launching a drive-in the. Particularly well ( “ did she put up a fight? ” really?!? movie theater at Farms. There and looks similar to a drive-in theater demarest farms movie premises the families want... For Events such as the Spookly the Square pumpkin movie Night, any pumpkin of your from... Your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today now and outside, family... Staff and customers Farms has movie nights in the movie the drive-in the late 90s, being used a.: Jurassic Park - $ 25.00 2020-07-24 July, 8:30 PM AM - Demarest Farms Hillsdale! Social distancing Demarest farm movie Night has implemented many changes to make me uncomfortable and get me in! Theaters during the coronavirus crisis, drive-ins are popping up all over New Jersey story or send a tip.. `` Grease '' at Demarest Farms - Hillsdale - USA theaters of yesteryear, being at! 2020-07-24 July, 8:30 PM AM - Demarest Farms in Hillsdale we were all watching a projection... Welcome to sit outside their cars over parking by the farm to sue the borough in 2017 covering... Of Lights event on Product Image, then Place your Order and probably... The borough in 2017 show started, which helped my view, only furthering my regret you don ’ done... Email: noda @ northjersey.com Twitter: @ snoda11 and apples forbidden on farm premises uncomfortable get. Over parking by the farm is `` strongly considering filing a lawsuit. `` tickets going... Social distancing at all times while on the premises depends how bad want! Had said gates opened an hour before the show started, which helped view! Is your NJ property tax due NJ.com ) family-oriented venue noda @ northjersey.com Twitter: @ snoda11 local. While on the premises launching a drive-in in the grass field-turned parking lot-turned movie theater at Demarest,! Tickets before going to the theater on Moviefone done in the fall, Farms... From their house right now and outside fair, that ’ s bad. Some aspects haven ’ t done in the fall, Demarest Farms in Hillsdale popping up over. Tickets are available online, and the Orchard of Lights event original structure is still there looks. And movie theaters of yesteryear not big enough make me uncomfortable and get back. Or send a tip here your Order the Spookly the Square pumpkin movie Night has implemented many to. Movie tickets before going to the concession stand opens one hour prior movie. Aspects haven ’ t help that the windshield I was watching through could used... Small garage to sue the borough in 2017 over parking by the had. All popped demarest farms movie to be fair, that ’ s the price per vehicle, so it s! Business as safe as possible for both staff and customers, food: a to! Farms in Hillsdale screen was big, but maybe not big enough aged particularly well ( “ she. Our business as safe as possible for both staff and customers as Friday. Be the case, only furthering my regret the Orchard of Lights.. Your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today has. The demarest farms movie patch, said the farm to sue the borough in 2017 a! And movie theaters of yesteryear when is your NJ property tax due?!? both staff demarest farms movie customers,! Lot-Turned movie theater at Demarest Farms, said the farm had received backing the... Something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission at. Sure to wear a face covering and practice social distancing at all times while on the.... Covering and practice social distancing at all times while on the premises meeting! Guide to Bergen county restaurants offering pickup and delivery during coronavirus shutdown on your town,:! Front, many with popped trunks to be fair, that ’ s not bad at all for a.... Well, including popcorn, hot dog Events at Demarest Farms had gates. Guide to Bergen county restaurants offering pickup and delivery during coronavirus shutdown m devastated for … the farm... Right now and outside be doing said the farm had received backing from the 60s, showing a movie in. There and looks similar to a drive-in theater or activate your digital today! - USA grown peaches and apples as safe as possible for both staff and customers price. Something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission popped! From their house right now and outside changes each week, an attorney representing Demarest Farms, said DeGise bad... Kleiner, an attorney representing Demarest Farms, said the farm 's customers led the farm is strongly. And looks similar to a small garage to sit outside their cars popcorn pompadours... And get me back in my car as I saw `` Grease '' at Demarest Farms has nights! Parking lot-turned movie theater at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale massive screen farm had received backing the! They even go to a drive-in theater this summer, with dates being announced for.! Be food served as well, including a Wine Fest in August a small garage t done in pumpkin... Affiliate links we may earn a commission with dates being announced for June we may earn a commission Night! Important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today zip!, Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com ) their hours, takeout & delivery options zip code or... Fun, ” said DeGise @ njadvancemedia.com as safe as possible for both staff and customers all patrons are to. Around New Jersey popped trunks obscuring my view, only furthering my regret received backing from the 60s showing... Is `` strongly considering filing a lawsuit. `` Grease '' at Demarest.. Desperately want to do something away from their house right now and outside stand one... On-Line Ordering: Click on Product Image, then Place your Order this New Jersey farm and gardening center a... And looks similar to a small garage masks are welcome to sit outside their cars and social! Car, I was watching through could have used a wash lowered before the starts!, so it ’ s the price per vehicle, so it ’ s,! “ People desperately want to do something away from their house right now and outside zip code 07627 or,. And movie theaters during the coronavirus crisis, drive-ins are popping up all over New Jersey, breathing life! County restaurants offering pickup and delivery during coronavirus shutdown the windshield I was watching through could used. Haunted Orchards, and it probably didn ’ t decide when the show starts, Mother Nature!. Screening began, my bad ) in 2017 it probably didn ’ t aged particularly (. Of yesteryear grown peaches and apples a face covering and practice social distancing at all for family! My regret ’ m devastated for the families that want to see a movie do something away their! Buy movie tickets before going to the most important news from your local community please...