Serves 4

In the old days before fences, twice a year (spring and fall) roundups were held. At this time the cowboys from the various ranches formed a large crew and 'worked' the range. All the animals that could be found were rounded up and separated to the different ranches, determined by the brands they wore. Unbranded calves were branded with the brand worn by the cows they were following, thus establishing ownership by the ranch.  At these roundups, cowboys of one ranch matched one of their number against a cowboy from another ranch in roping or bronc riding. Later these contests became rodeos, with other events being added.

A rodeo is normally produced by a local committee or association and is attended by the cowboys and cowgirls who come from near and far to compete against one another as well as the animals they are pitted against in some of the events. 

Originating as it did in the business of cattle raising, rodeo features four main events in which cowboys became proficient in their daily work on ranches: saddle bronc riding, calf roping, team tying and single steer tying. To these have been added for show purposes, other events which are spectacular, though not practical in ranch work, namely: bareback riding, bulldogging, wild cow milking and for the women, barrel racing.

Rodeos have been held in Lake County since the 1830's.  In the past rodeos were held infrequently in different locations of what is now Lake County.  In 1929 successive rodeos were first held in Lakeport over Labor Day at the site of the current Lake County Fairgrounds but not connected to the fair.

The drive-in's peak popularity came in the late 1950s and early 1960s, particularly in rural areas, with some 4,000 drive-ins spread across the United States. Among its advantages was the fact that a family with a baby could take care of their child while watching a movie, while teenagers with access to autos found drive-ins ideal for dates.

During their height, some drive-ins used attention-grabbing gimmicks to boost attendance. They ranged from small airplane runways, unusual attractions such as a small petting zoo or cage of monkeys, personal appearances by actors to open their movies, or musical groups to play before the show.

Over time, the economics of real estate made the large property areas increasingly expensive for drive-ins to operate successfully. Land became far too valuable for businesses such as drive-ins, which in most cases were summer-only.

The owners of Lakeport Auto Movies have upgraded the drive-in to digital projection, which will ensure that they can stay in business beyond this summer.  The digital projectors were installed in mid-June, it was an $80,000 project for the little drive-in.  

Do you remember going to the drive-in with your family?  Parents would dress their kids in pajamas because they would be asleep by the time the movies were over.   If you haven't gone yet this summer you should.   Going to the drive-in movies with family and friends is an experience that should not be missed.   

Lakeport Auto Movies (Behind Lakeport Cinema 5)

52 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport 95453

(707) 263-5011, www.lakeportautomovies.com