Movie nights debut Thursday at Rocky Point

Tim Forsberg
Posted 6/16/15

Actor Chris Pratt had a blockbuster weekend with the release of Jurassic World in theaters across the globe. This coming Thursday, however, another of Pratt’s films will be seen by moviegoers at a …

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Movie nights debut Thursday at Rocky Point

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Actor Chris Pratt had a blockbuster weekend with the release of Jurassic World in theaters across the globe. This coming Thursday, however, another of Pratt’s films will be seen by moviegoers at a dinosaur-sized venue like none other: Rocky Point.

While most theaters hold several hundred people, Rocky Point can hold thousands. And given the buzz surrounding the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce’s (CRICC) first “Movies in the Park” night, the anticipated crowd may rival those seen during the heyday of the former amusement park.

“Channel 12 had released on Facebook that the movies were coming to Rocky Point,” said Lauren Slocum, president and CEO of the CRICC. “That post was shared over 10,000 times, which is incredible. It’s had an extremely broad reach. We don’t have any idea how many people will show.”

The first of four planned movie nights at the park this summer featuring children-friendly films, the Thursday event will showcase The Lego Movie.  In a way, the event is a historical return for Rocky Point, which used to house a small movie theater on site when the amusement park was operational.

“There will be two twenty-foot screens,” said Slocum. “People will be able to drive into the park through the old exit, and parking will be available on the left in the remaining lot. The movie screens will be set up on the right in the huge field, with the backs up against the woods and treeline. There’s a natural incline there, so it almost creates these wonderful natural bleachers.”

Screens will be slightly angled towards the parking lot, and there will be about a dozen spaces available for handicapped parking and viewing. Unlike other drive-in venues, a radio is not required to listen to the film, as sound will be piped in through speakers.

While the chamber continues to solidify food truck arrangements on site, six have agreed to participate so far. Presto Strange O Coffee Co. will have an array of beverage options available, and FUGO truck will offer Asian-Latin inspired cuisine. Acacia Café, which specializes in gourmet sandwiches with international flavor, and Lotus Pepper will serve Vietnamese-style home cooking on site. Plouf Plouf Gastronomie will present rustic French cuisine, and for dessert, Like no Udder will feature an all-vegan soft serve ice cream selection.

“There are no restrictions for people bringing in their own food and beverages, they just can’t bring alcohol,” said Slocum.

Viewers are also asked to bring blankets, chairs, bug spray and other amenities needed to make the evening fun.

Officers from Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will be on site providing assistance, and the chamber is working with the Warwick Police Department so that Warwick Neck neighbors experience as little traffic problems as possible.

“The big players to thank are the state and DEM and the city, which were critical in helping to create access to this incredible resource,” added Slocum.

The chamber has partnered with National Grid, Wave Federal Credit Union, WPRI, Warwick Tourism, Slocum Realty/Insurance, Health Care Services and Ridley Lowell Business & Technical Institute to run the event.

The park gates will open at 6:30 p.m., with the film starting when it gets dark, around 8:30. The movie runs for approximately an hour and 45 minutes.

“We’re so excited,” said Slocum. “I am anxiously looking forward to it!”

Additional free movie nights are planned for July 16, July 30 and Aug. 20.

Comments

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  • JohnStark

    Great idea, spectacular venue. Hope it goes well.

    Tuesday, June 16, 2015 Report this

  • RonPaul

    Hopefully the Oakland Beach crowd doesn't show up and leave a mess. Diapers and beer bottles all over the place

    Thursday, June 25, 2015 Report this