Meet Joe: The 'true islander' who hosts annual JAWS movie night parties!
Hi my Name is Joe Allocco.
I live on Long Island, New York about 10 to 12 minutes away from one of the most Famous Beaches in the World - Jones Beach. I was born and raised here, so I am a True “Islander.”
I am an Artist and Decorative Painter / Faux Finisher. I’ve been in my own business, Joe Faux Designs, for 25 years.
My Love for JAWS has been going strong since I first saw it in theaters back in 1975. I was 11 years old and it had an Amazing impact on me, and over the years I have acquired lots and lots of JAWS Memorabilia. Some of my Favorites are… Sperry JAWS shoes, JAWS Toys and Action Figures, model replica of the Orca, an autographed JAWS movie Poster signed by Richard Dreyfuss, Roy Scheider, Peter Benchley and John Williams, The Limited Edition Numbered Hardcover Book - JAWS Memories from Martha’s Vineyard with an actual piece of the Orca and my life size Bust of a Great White Shark that hangs in my office.
My Family and Friends whom visit my home all know of my collection and love for JAWS, my favorite movie of all time. A couple of years back, the Town of Long Beach advertised that they would be showing JAWS right on the beach on a Saturday Night. 4000 people showed up for the viewing.
I was amazed at how many JAWS Fanatics there was all conjugated together in one place. That’s when I got the idea. With all my memorabilia I could host a JAWS themed movie night party in my backyard. And I did.
I researched everything from JAWS themed foods and drinks to the “look” I wanted for this outdoor Movie Night Party! I was already a step ahead of planning for it due to the amount of Memorabilia I already owned. My backyard already had string lights going from my house to my trees and I repurposed my son’s old wooden play set to look like a small candy concession stand or bar. I do own a real movie theater popcorn machine, so I utilized that area to be my candy counter.
Some of my candies I labeled as the Ocean’s Bounty, such as Octopus Eggs which was actually Good and Plenty Candy or Baby Sharks which were actually Small Gummy Sharks. Marshmallows were labeled, Sea Sponges and Swedish Fish was my Chum.
My Bar area had Non-Alcohol Drinks and Drinks with with Alcohol. I made 2 different fruit punch drinks and the adults had the option to “spike” them up if they so desired. I also had different sodas and different beers including, Land Shark, Corona’s and of course, Quint’s Favorite… Narragansett Beer.
I also served finger foods for picking. We had Shrimp Cocktail, Fish Sticks, Pasta with Shrimp, a 4 foot Submarine Hero with Italian and American Cold Cuts, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad and Cesar Salad.
When you enter the front of my property and head towards my backyard I have the JAWS soundtrack playing throughout speakers on my front porch and display custom made signs I had professionally printed up of the famous JAWS beach closed signs.
Along the side of house I placed blue spot lights that simulate waves and added sound effects of the ocean waves crashing along the surf. I paid attention to the small details that people wouldn’t notice right away, but definitely remember later.
My Memorabilia was placed and displayed throughout my entire yard.
I hope people see this and use it for inspiration on their own JAWS Movie Night Party.
There’s so many different and unique ideas you can come up with and I try to personally do that every year. Last month my family and I had the opportunity to see the Broadway Play…
The Shark is Broken and we got to meet the cast. We had front row center seats and it was Amazing! As of this writing, we are going back to see it again today.
My Dad Passed in February of 2021 and JAWS was one of his all time favorite movies too. Now I put photos of him around at my JAWS Movie Night Party in his honor.
Words and photos courtesy Joe Allocco
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