World’s Largest Exhibit of Authentic Jaws Movie Props and Memorabilia in Punta Gorda May 14 and 15, 2011

Jaws Makes an Appearance near Laishley Crab House in Punta Gorda, Fla.

Dah-dahnt. Dah-dahnt. Okay, that’s my lame attempt at writing out music from the movie Jaws. And why do I have a killer great white shark on my mind? This weekend (May 14 and 15) is the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge & Festival at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda, Fla., and part of the festival is the “Chris Kiszka Jaws Collection”, claiming to be World’s Largest Exhibit of Authentic Jaws Movie Props and Memorabilia.

Jaws is considered to be one of the best movies ever made. If you’re a product of the 70s or 80s or have an appreciation either for Peter Benchley’s novel (Jaws) or the movie, (which really got people out of the water in the 70s) you’ll appreciate Kiszka’s collection.

Last night I had a chance to visit the Jaws collection and have to say, it was pretty gnarly, especially the pseudo-body parts. I won’t post images of those, for the benefit of the squeamish.

Props and Memorabilia from the Movie Jaws

A man of few words, Kiszka was on hand last night answering questions he probably has answered a million and two times.

How old was he when he first watched Jaws? Five. Don’t gasp, considering what’s on mainstream television these days, Jaws is pretty tame.

His collection includes movie props including a fishing rod and reel, photographs and a copy of Jaws signed by Peter Benchley. I was tickled by the Jaws head sitting outside the Community Meeting Room at Laishley Marina, where the exhibit is on display today and tomorrow. (See photo at the top of this post.)

The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge is a catch and release tournament. Mote Marine Laboratory is involved and sharks will be fitted with transmitters so scientists, and curious people with Internet access, can track movement of those sharks tagged. The tournament’s namesake, conservationist and artist Guy Harvey, will be making an appearance on Sunday, May 15, between 1 and 3 p.m. to sign autographs of prints, shirts and other memorabilia.

I have a Guy Harvey print and would love to have him sign it but I’m heading out to the Kennedy Space Center early in the morning.

The festival is free and open to anyone. It’s located next to the Laishley Crab House (100 East Retta Esplanade,Punta Gorda, Fla.) and runs until 10 p.m. today and between 10 a.m and 6 p.m. Sunday, May 15.

Jenn

Jennifer A. Huber is an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. The unexpected death of her former husband in 2008 reminded her how short life is. His passing was a catalyst for sharing her experiences with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to travel solo. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.