Tue, November 10, 2009

Blueway Festival

n Blueway or Bust: Premier paddling festival set for Oct. 23 - Nov. 1 in Lee County The fourth annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival is set to showcase kayaking and eco-events along Southwest Florida’s waterways Oct. 23 through Nov. 1. The 10-day festival offers an array of speakers and instruction, cultural and eco festivals, races and fishing events, paddlers’ get-togethers and green activities. Events are at public parks and archeological sites as well as resorts and campgrounds along the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, a 190-mile marked-and-meandering saltwater trail that spans the Lee County coast from Bonita Springs to Pine Island and inland to Alva. The festival is part of Islands Fall Fest. Take a staycation and book yourself into a campground right along the trail at a site that includes a guided tour with the Florida Paddling Trail Association to historic Mound Key, an island once inhabited by the Calusa king. Attend the Calusa Costume Ball dressed as a conquistador or sea wench, and then hear ghost stories on a moonlight hike. Local kayakers and canoeists can join in a half dozen evening hospitality events at which prizes will be raffled. Festival attendees also can get competitive. Two canoe/kayak races and a catch-and-release fishing tournament are planned; some have cash prizes. There’s even a competitive geocaching event on the Caloosahatchee. Visitors can give back to the community by joining in a countywide waterway marine debris cleanup called Monofilament Madness. Make a $10 donation to the trail and get a Blueway VIP Wristband to enjoy extra value at more than 80 Southwest Florida attractions, restaurants, galleries, shops and marine/outfitter locations. The festival features daily activities, with emphasis on the Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 29-Nov. 1 weekends. Many activities are free. Call the festival hotline at (239) 823-6335 or see the schedule online at www.CalusaBluewayPaddlingFestival.com. For Islands Fall Fest, go to www.fortmyers-sanibel.com.

Pride & Patriotism: Youth Celebrating the Arts and Honoring Veterans concert

The Southwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, in partnership with the School District of Lee County, presents the seventh annual Pride & Patriotism: Youth Celebrating the Arts and Honoring Veterans concert Tuesday, November 10 at 7 PM at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. The event celebrates the artistic talents and achievements of area youth through music, art, and an essay contest promoted by the School District of Lee County. The evening features the Southwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Michael Hall. North Fort Myers High School Band and the Cape Coral Elementary Chorus will also perform. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased in advance by calling the Symphony Box Office 418-1500 and will also be available at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall the day of the event. To learn more about the Southwest Florida Youth Orchestra and our other Education and outreach programs that we offer visit us at www.swflso.org or contact the Symphony office at 239-418-0996.