Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre Hosts Night Market

Jeniyah Benitez | Writer

On Sept. 12, Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre in Schnecksville hosted a Night Market. Inspired

by the “vampire night market” from hit TV show, “What We Do in the Shadows,” owners Matt

McClanahan and Lauren McChesney aimed to serve the “gothic” and alternative community in

the Lehigh Valley.

McClanahan says he “definitely” feels that with owning the historic drive-in, he and McChesney

have a responsibility to create memorable experiences for the community. This sparked the

desire to put on a “unique event” to appeal to alternative affinities.

The event was full of vendors peddling everything from vintage clothes to oddities like

carnivorous plants and tattoo services against the backdrop of a vintage horror film.

The vendors at the event were carefully curated by McClanahan and McChesney to suit the

theme of the event. Kelly Vulfolaic, owner of Wolf and Faun, says Shankweiler's reached out to

them to recruit them after they were vendors at the Mystic Market in June.

The mother-daughter duo of the sustainability-based Friendly Fox Thrift are experienced vendors

who say they were accepted because they fit the theme of the event– further showcasing the

careful curation overseen by the owners of the drive-in.

“We’ve been really busy tonight; it’s been wonderful,” Friendly Fox owners said about their

experience at the Night Market.

McClanahan says he feels “very fortunate” that his theatre is able to serve the community, and

has done so with the spooky success of the Night Market this fall.