Chris Richards / Arizona Daily Star 1999

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There's no telling how much longer the DeAnza Drive-In will be around.

A developer is looking at buying the local landmark, at 1401 S. Alvernon Way, and has already started marketing it as a retail complex.

Depending on the developer's success in finding tenants, Tucson's last drive-in could be closed sometime later this year.

That leaves the possibility of one last great summer of watching movies from the comfort of your car or truck.

Stacy Paisley Peckham is a fan of the drive-in — so big a fan that she's started a blog (saveourdeanza.blogspot.com) and is petitioning city officials to save the longstanding attraction. She's also printed — and handed out — 400 bumper stickers.

"When I was a kid we actually had a friend who lived behind the drive-in and we'd sit in the backyard and watch the big screen, though we couldn't hear it," she says. "As teenagers we packed the car full, and I don't even know if we watched the movie but it sure was a good place to socialize."

Today, Paisley Peckham says the drive-in is a great date spot. It's also still a lot of fun for families and groups of friends.

Paisley Peckham says she's going to make the most of the drive-in while it's still open for business. And she shared some tips:

"Before we had the minivan we had a pickup truck and that was awesome because you could just throw the futon mattress in the back of the pickup and sit out under the stars," Paisley Peckham says. "Then again, the advantage of the minivan is that if it gets too hot or too cold you can just turn on the heat or air conditioning."

If you don't have either one, consider bringing lawn chairs or a blanket.

"It's depends on what kind of car you're in. If it's a truck or van it's better to be in the back so you don't disturb the people behind you," she says. "Other than that, there's really no bad spot."

Of course, you can buy popcorn, hot dogs and sodas at the concession stand. But the beauty of the drive-in is that you can also bring your own food.

"We get our chicken from Pollo Feliz," Paisley Peckham says. "And we bring our own drinks."

DeAnza manager Mike Cecil says alcohol isn't allowed at the drive-in. "If I see it I have to say no," says Cecil.

The drive-in offers great value. Adult tickets are $6 and kids under 9 get in for free. And each screen almost always shows two movies a night, so you get two for the price of one.

"Sometimes we go in our pajamas and it just doesn't matter," Paisley Peckham says. "You can't do that in a regular theater."