A record crowd of over 1,500 turned out for a collective ride during last month’s premier of Movies at the Park nights at Rocky Point, and the excitement is building for an even bigger sequel event scheduled for this Thursday.

Showcasing the 2014 remake Annie, this edition of Movies at the Park plans to continue the theme of children-friendly films at the family-style venue. The movie night events, created by the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce (CRICC), draw upon a unique aspect of the former amusement park, which used to house a movie theater there during the 1950s and ’60s.

“We are so excited, our phones at the chamber have been ringing off the hook about our movie nights,” said Lauren Slocum, president and CEO of the CRICC.

Instead of strapping into bumper or House of Horror cars, however, visitors to the park’s show may sprawl out in lawn and beach chairs or on picnic blankets in choice spots staked out well before the sun sets.

The previous event, on June 18, seemed like a boom to local takeout businesses as picnickers with pizzas, burgers and sandwiches were seen everywhere. That event occurred on a school night as well as on the day of Warwick Vets graduation ceremonies, so it’s believed there will be a bigger turnout this time around. A variety of food trucks will also be on scene again with an array of snack, dinner and beverage offerings.

“We’re expecting an even bigger turnout Thursday. We have additional food trucks and vendors coming in, the weather forecast is looking fabulous, and it’s looking to be set up as a beautiful night,” said Slocum.

Jay Case, who has lived on Warwick Neck for the better part of two decades, and his wife, Jess, have owned their own mobile business, Presto Stange-O Coffee Truck, for the last five years. Their gourmet coffee truck was part of the open house ceremonies at Rocky Point last year, and at the first Movie Night. They’re excited about the park’s reopening and the park’s continued usage by large groups.

“It’s incredible, I would say we were busier with business on the movie night,” said Jay. “There were a lot of people, and we maxed out. There is a maximum amount of money we can make during a certain time, and we had a huge line; for us it was as good as it could get. Living here since the ’90s, we’ve dealt with park traffic like the Fourth of July traffic, and I can remember trying to get home then. This event was nothing like that, Rocky Point was a perfect venue for an event like this.”

“There were some kinks, as it was the first time they tried to organize food trucks for something like this, but in the end it really came together,” said Jess, who added they were serving until 10 p.m.

Volunteers, who were a big part of the last events success, are also looking forward to serving the community during the second act.

“Everybody was transfixed to the two big screens. Having first visited the amusement park with my family at age 7, it was delightful to see families with young children thoroughly enjoying themselves in the park again,” said Barrington resident George LaCross after the first event, who plans to volunteer for each movie night. “I can say that the chamber, the Department of Environmental Management, the volunteers and everybody else contributing to the coordination of Movie Night did an amazing job. I was proud to be working with these folks.” 

Additional volunteers are still needed, and Slocum asks interested parties to visit their website at www.checkoutri.com to register for volunteer opportunities.

As has been done previously, there will be two 20-foot screens set up in the large park field that was the former Midway. Patrons will be able to drive into the park through the park’s old exit, and parking will be available on the left in the remaining lot. Signage, parking attendants and the DEM and Warwick Police Department will assist with traffic flow.

“We’d like to stress that parking for the event is inside the park. We do not want anyone parking on the street, we’re trying to be good neighbors,” said Slocum.

There are no restrictions in bringing in food and beverages, however, alcohol is prohibited. Viewers are asked to bring blankets, chairs, bug spray and other amenities needed to make the evening enjoyable.

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

Park gates will open on Thursday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m., with the film starting at dusk, around 8:30. The movie runs for approximately two hours.

Additional free movie nights are planned for July 30 and Aug. 20. All events offer free admission.