Think you can sit through an entire showing of “Jaws” … while in the water … on an inner tube … in the dark?
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, Hollywood’s most famous 3-ton shark cruises onto a 275-inch screen to launch the first “Jaws on the Water” movie night on Sunday, Sept. 3, in Rockwood, Tenn.
This outdoor movie is the idea of Chase Clem, Parks and Recreation director for the city of Rockwood, who attended a similar event near Cookeville, Tenn. He’s put a lot of time and effort into the new event to ensure it goes swimmingly.
“In Roane County, Kingston has the Fourth of July celebration and everybody goes there to watch fireworks. We hope this will snowball so that Rockwood will become the place to go for Labor Day weekend,” he says.
If you go
› What: Jaws on the Water› Where: Tom Fuller Park, 1369 Pumphouse Road, Rockwood, Tenn.› When: 7-11:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3› Admission: $5 if bring own float; $7 or $10 for admission and float rental› For more information: 865-805-2103
Here’s how it works: Adults and older children may bring their own blow-up floats/inner tubes and life preservers to Tom Fuller Park to watch a showing of the original 1975 “Jaws” while floating on Watts Bar Lake at night.
A large area will be cordoned off for floaters; boaters may anchor in the lake behind that boundary.
“Being in the dark adds to the suspense,” says Clem. “All survivors (people who remain in the water for the full movie) are awarded an ‘I survived Jaws on the Water’ T-shirt.”
Participants are asked to arrive by 7 p.m. for check-in at the old boat ramp, but the movie won’t start until 9 p.m. To help pass the time in between, there will be concessions for sale, a photo booth, cornhole and other games.
Shuttles will drive floaters and their floats to a drop-off location to enter the water area designated for tubers. Tubers will be allowed entry into the cordoned area beginning at 8 p.m.
Backyard Bouncers from Clinton, Tenn., is rigging the 275-inch movie screen, with projector and speakers to complete the set-up. Everyone will have a good sightline.
Clem encourages anyone interested to register in advance if they plan to rent an inner tube from Parks and Recreation, due to a limited number of them. Only those bringing their own floats/inner tubes will be sold tickets on the day of the event.
Clem stresses everyone must bring their own life jacket, and will not be allowed into the water without one. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent.
For more information: 865-805-2103; for tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/jaws-on-the-water-movie-on-a-tube-tickets-36805282591.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.