Since shifting its focus from first-run films to cult classics nearly a decade ago, the Mahoning Drive-In Theater in Lehighton, Pennsylvania — a rural borough about 75 miles northeast of Philadelphia — has thrived as a haven for genre fans. Zombie Fest, Godzilla-palooza, Troma-Thon with Lloyd Kaufman, Camp Blood Slasher Celebration, Werewolf Weekend, and John Waters’ Filthy Film Fest are just a few of the events programmed this season.

I made the trek to the cinematic mecca for the seventh annual Drive-In VHS Fest on July 7-8, where I vended Broke Horror Fan’s line of modern horror films on VHS alongside my partner in 4:3, Witter Entertainment. The event was established in 2017 when Mahoning stalwart Virgil Cardamone worked with Josh Schafer and Ted Gilbert of Lunchmeat VHS — whose VHS preservation efforts include producing new and classic titles on the format, publishing a magazine, and selling themed merchandise — to curate a two-night event...