Coastal Breeze News
The cake was provided by Publix Freedom Square.
By Marilyn Honahan
What a surprise! Local resident and businessman, Joe McKnight, recently received the surprise of his life. Believing that he was going to dinner with his fiance and a few friends, Joe was speechless when he entered Mango’s Dockside Bistro and found approximately fifty people from various parts of the country all dressed in a 50’s theme to surprise him and help him celebrate his fiftieth birthday.
The dining room was decorated in a 50’s theme with large cutouts of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe and nearly one hundred balloons and centerpieces made to look like guitars. The centerpieces were made by Joe’s sister, Myrna Bowker, who along with Joe’s fiancée, Sally Niessen, decorated the dining room with a number of 50’s themed items and memorabilia. The cake was provided by Publix in Freedom Square. DJ, Steve Reynolds, kept the Rock and Roll dance music moving along as the guests danced the Lindy and the Twist among many other 50’s favorites.
Joe wasn’t the only one surprised, however. His fiancée, Sally, never expected it but one of her daughters surprised her by flying in from Utah for the party.
The McKnight sisters and brothers.
Joe, a native Floridian, hailing originally from Hialeah owns a service company, Joe McKnight, LLC, and does remodeling, pool maintenance and other service work in Naples and Marco Island. Many of his loyal, long time customers joined in the party and helped Joe celebrate his milestone birthday.
Mango’s provided the 50’s themed menu which included hot dogs, beans, burgers and all the trimmings. There was also a popcorn machine and cotton candy which helped set the 50’s mood.
Cool Cats Jordy Morrow and Joe McKnight. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Poodle Skirts.
