Annual event returns to Shell Factory
It has been a very busy last few weeks at the Shell Factory, with Gumbofest, the Monday Cruise-In, and more.
On Saturday, Feb. 13, the 11th annual Fossil Fest returns to the historic landmark from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, unlike last year when it was held primarily in the Dolphin Room, it will be held outdoors in the parking lot.
Fossil Fest, hosted by the Fossil Club of Lee County, will feature a silent auction, grand raffle, a kids dig, games, the free fossil museum inside the Shell Factory and free admission.
There also is expected to be a wheel you can spin to win fossil-related prizes from the Shell Factory, which will be open.
Fossil Fest started coming to the Shell Factory two years ago as a result of the success of the fossil museum in the store, according to Rick Tupper, CFO and marketing director at the Shell Factory.
“Once we put the fossil museum in, it made sense for us to do something,” Tupper said. “We’re trying to promote their club while giving their vendors a chance to sell a few things. It’s educational and a club function.”
Louis Stieffel, club president, said the fossil museum, along with the other attractions, made the Shell Factory the perfect location.
“Most of our members have fossils on loan in their museum, so we have a relationship. Plus, they promote the museum and help us out, so we try to cross-promote them and bring in people,” Stieffel said.
The outdoor event will feature a large tent, music and numerous vendors who will sell fossils. Last’s year’s event brought around 500 people. Tupper said he expects at least double that this time around.
After Fossil Fest, Golden Fest will be coming up the following Sunday, Feb. 21.
“Fossil Fest is really a family deal. Kids are into it, and I was surprised how many people are into fossils. A lot of fossils come out of the river locally,” Tupper said.
“If you like science, especially paleontology, this is for you. You can see fossils, talk about fossils and buy fossils from dealers,” Stieffel said. “I would expect several thousand I hope with it being outdoors.”
The Shell Factory is at 2787 N Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers.
The Fossil Club of Lee County, which was founded in the early 1990s, is an organization of people interested in the fossils of southern Florida and elsewhere. Meetings are on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Fort Myers.
For more information, contact Louis Stieffel, club president, at 458-9818 or go to www.fcolc.com.