Camp Carson is set to make its debut at Hi-Way Drive-In in Carsonville

Nathan Thorpe, owner of the Hi-Way Drive-In along Sanilac Road (M-46) in Carsonville on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Thorpe bought the drive-in in April with his business partner, Richard Bates. Their goal was to find an area to host music festivals but also felt the need to revive the drive-in movie theater business

The Hi-Way Drive-In, located in Carsonville, is gearing up to host its first music festival.

And owners Nathan Thorpe and Richard Bates are excited to present the Camp Carson Music Festival. The festival will take place starting at 1 p.m. on July 16. .

Nineteen bands and DJs are set to perform on two stages at the drive-in. In addition to the performances, food trucks and craft vendors will be on site. Bates said the festival is to showcase local talent.

“We want the community to see what we’re doing as new owners (of the drive-in) while still keeping the old style of this place and bringing in something new,” Bates said.

Bates, who has been a DJ for 25 years, said the music festival is a passion project for him and Thorpe. He said that while it has been a lot of hard work, it also means he gets to live his dream. The festival will be a way for local artists to showcase their talent, and hopefully grow into something bigger.

“I get to bring my dream here into reality,” Bates said. “This can create jobs for younger kids, like I was when I started, and help them excel with their dreams.”

Thorpe said getting the festival started is like living a fantasy. He’s excited to see it come to life.

Camp Carson is intended to have a loving, communal vibe. Both Thorpe and Bates want attendees to come out and create as many good memories as possible.