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Second annual Swamp Fest at the Shell Factory to feature

By Staff | May 18, 2010

Photo provided The Shell Factory will host the second annual Swamp Fest on May 23. Last year, many enjoyed the array of activities.

The Shell Factory will host the second annual Swamp Fest Sunday, May 23, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be continuous live music, food, prizes, motorcycles, safety awareness – and more.

A poker run also will be a big part of the day, and the “Trick Rick’s” bike contest.

“We are also showcasing bikes, particularly this year, and have asked some of the best local dealers to bring an array of their best bikes,” said Donna Ellis, marketing manager for the Shell Factory.

Entertainment will include Hung Jury and Down South Rockers.

“Hung Jury is a high energy classic rock ‘n’ roll and and Down South Rockers is a popular local Southern Rock Band,” she said.

Frankie Kennedy, president of SWFL Chapter of ABATE, presents Lee County Sheriff's Office Cpt. Chris Velez with more than 700 stuffed bears as part of Bears For Bears campaign, gathered by the Shell Factory and ABATE.

On the “Trick Rick’s” bike contest, she said, “He is a local personality well known in the community for his comic flair, and this will be for several classes of bikes.”

The Poker Run will begin and end at the Shell Factory.

“Registration begins at noon and last bike in at 4 p.m. It will be $10 a hand and a total of a 50-mile ride. There are prizes for the highest and lowest hands.”

Food will be provided by the Shell Factory’s Capt’n Fishbones Restaurant. Southern-style barbecue items will include chicken, ribs, pork and sandwiches.

“We will also be introducing our new ‘Swamp Water’ to the public at the event,” said Ellis.

The Shell Factory recently launched a weekly event called Hawgs & Dawgs – an every Sunday get-together for local motorcycle enthusiasts – at its outdoor Swamp Bar, complete with live music each week. The first one took place May 2, and was a rousing success, said Ellis. “We are incorporating that event into Swamp Fest for that day,” she said.

Hawgs & Dawgs will continue throughout the summer on its own each Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m.

Proceeds from the Swamp Fest will benefit the Shell Factory’s non-profit Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation, which supplies funds to transport school field trips to the park which may otherwise be cancelled during current economic budget constraints.

There also will be the Bears For Bears drop off site at the event. “We are a Bears For Bears collection destination for the Sheriff’s Office,” Ellis continued. “Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott has frequently commented that stuffed animals comfort children during traumatic situations and are frequently used by his officers.

“Last year we collected about 700 stuffed animals and bears to donate to the Sheriff’s Department,” said Tom Cronin Sr., owner of The Shell Factory in a prepared statement.

“These donations, as well as the field trips we are able to offer local school kids, really mean a lot to the community.”

The local chapter of ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) will also offer motorcycle safety education. ABATE is well known for its commitment as a safety, educational, charitable and advocacy motorcyclist organization.

Raffle and prize giveaways will also occur throughout the day.

Regular Shell Factory activities will also be open, including bumper boats, water wars, miniature golf, Pirates’ Grotto, Money Museum, nature park tours and more.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public. For more information, call 995-2141, extension 145. The Shell Factory & Nature Park is located at 2787 North Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers.