Gone are the days of drive-in movie theaters, of sitting in your car and munching popcorn.

But, Saturday night at the movies has taken on a whole new meaning at the MHCC Aquatic Center. Instead of sitting in a stuffy theater with popcorn in your hair and gum on your shoes, how about floating on an inflatable mattress while watching a movie from the pool? Or, better yet, how about rounding up friends for a game of water-basketball during the poolside movie?

That’s exactly what several students and families did at the Mt. Hood Aquatic Center Saturday night. The showing of “Freaky Friday” was a popular event, with several students floating in front of the jumbo movie screen, while others chatted by the poolside or started a rousing game of water-basketball.

Donna Ryan, the program coordinator for the MHCC Aquatic Center, said, “It’s about doing something fun and different for the community and families. We’ve been doing this for three years now, and it’s always a big hit.”

One of the highlights is that floating toys and mattresses are allowed during the Dive-In movies. “Last time we showed ‘Shark Tale’, someone showed up with a bed-size water mattress, so we had them stay near the back for safety, so no one could get stuck under it,” said Erin Woodard, the head instructor and pool supervisor.

“We get a kick out of seeing what people bring in to float on,” added Ryan. “The most popular movie is always ‘Jaws’, which is showing on June 4, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. We have had a hundred people in here for that one,” said Ryan.

The cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children, and free for MHCC students with their ID cards. Check the MHCC website for updates and details. Movies are shown Saturday nights from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. in the Aquatic Center and every Wednesday night in August from 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. Dive-in Movies will be shown in the outdoor pool.

“We usually have a couple showings during Christmas break at the indoor pool, too,” said Ryan. “It’s a great time for the whole family.”