Fri, March 19, 2010

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.

Orange Blossom Special BBQ & Outdoor Exp

ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL BBQ & OUTDOOR EXPO An East Pasco Habitat for Humanity Event Friday, March 19 5pm. & Saturday, March 20, 2010 10am. Dade City Business Center Festival Courtyard 15000 Citrus Country Drive, Dade City, FL 33523 Backyard BBQ’ers along with Professional Teams—Get Ready! East Pasco Habitat for Humanity is hosting their 2nd Florida BBQ Association-sanctioned competition along with a fabulous festival of Arts ‘N Crafts, Food Specialties and other Outdoor Activity Vendors. A family event—something for everyone!$1 per person. www.ephabitat.org 352-567-1444

Orange Blossom Special BBQ & Outdoor Exp

ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL BBQ & OUTDOOR EXPO An East Pasco Habitat for Humanity Event Friday, March 19 5pm. & Saturday, March 20, 2010 10am. Dade City Business Center Festival Courtyard 15000 Citrus Country Drive, Dade City, FL 33523 Backyard BBQ’ers along with Professional Teams—Get Ready! East Pasco Habitat for Humanity is hosting their 2nd Florida BBQ Association-sanctioned competition along with a fabulous festival of Arts ‘N Crafts, Food Specialties and other Outdoor Activity Vendors. A family event—something for everyone! $1 per person. www.ephabitat.org 352-567-1444