Community Corner
Jimmy Buffet Fan Fundraises For Hamptons Crew Tailgate Party
Hamptons Parrotheads throw the best tailgate party on Long Island every year; one couple even got married at their site last year!
SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Parrotheads from the Hamptons are teaming up to head to "Margaritaville" for a tailgate party.
A GoFundMe page, "Hamptons Buffet Crew," created by Southampton's James O'Neill has raised $450 of its $1,500 goal.
"Come see us this year at Jones Beach August 15 for the Jimmy Buffett tailgating party," he wrote. "Our site will have 1,200 square feet of sod, a school bus, mobile kitchen, and a smoker. And plenty of great food and drinks. All are welcome. Donations are greatly appreciated as we love giving away food and drinks at our site . It's always a great party. We look forward to seeing old and new faces. Fins up."
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Oneill said his "Hamptons Buffett crew" has been organizing the event for about 10 years, bringing an antique fire truck and food trailer, and recently, purchased a school bus to allow people to get to the show safely."
They also personally install the sod in the parking lot for fans to enjoy.
Find out what's happening in Southamptonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The event was created by O'Neill and his wife Yasemin and another couple "and a pickup truck full of sand. Over the years it's grown, adding more vehicles and people. There are about 50 of us from the Hamptons that attend the tailgating party every year in Jones Beach," he said.
The group fundraises to cover the cost of the food, entertainment and refreshments all day, from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.; they do not charge anyone that shows up.
They've converted an old RV into a bar, and turned a classic firetruck into the "Jimmy Buffett Fire Department," equipped with beer taps. And now, they've converted an old school bus into the "Jimmy Buffett Union Free School District," complete with a designated driver.
They also bring more than 1,200 square foot of real grass sod.
"Everyone loves partying barefoot but the concrete is too hot," he said. "And, of course, we have our own step and repeat for a great photo op."
Last year someone even got married at the tailgating party and chose to take their wedding photos at their site.
"All donations are accepted," he said. "Every bit helps."
To donate to the GoFundMe effort, click here.
Patch photos courtesy of James O'Neill.
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