CLERMONT, Ind. -- A favorite central Indiana drive-in movie theater is closed for good after a teary-eyed goodbye on Sunday.

The Clermont Drive-In had its final show. The decision to close came after Hendricks County commissioners approved the sale in June to motor sports businessman Bill Simpson.

For some of the workers, the closing marked the end of an era and something that meant much more than just a way to make some extra money.

"To me, it's kind of heartbreaking," said Chip Truitt, an employee. "The family who owned it, they treated me like one of their family since I started working here."

Some wrote farewell messages on the concrete walls as they watched the last movies.

The new owner hopes to open the first of several racing-related businesses by next summer.