Fall Fest this Friday at NFM Park
On Friday, Oct. 24, one of the most popular community events will take place in North Fort Myers – the North Fort Myers Community Park’s 9th Annual Fall Fest.
“We expect over 1,500 people this year,” said organizer June Christine Susterich, senior Parks & Recreation specialist. “This is a free event for the community.”
Many local businesses will be taking part with giveaways, and the first 200 children in costume will receive a free bag of safe candy after the costume contest.
“This is a change from previous years, when kids would get a candy bag before the contest. They have to participate this year,” she said.
“Brooke Huffmaster will be the emcee and entertainer for this year and Commissioner Tammy Hall will open the event,” she continued.
There will be the a scare house, hayrides, bounce house, slides, games, give-a-ways and raffle along with the costume contest.
Something else that is new this year is that the Pop Warner football concession stand will be open to purchase food and drinks.
Bring your cameras, said Senior Recreation Specialist Libby Olive.
“The MOMS Club will also have a Fall Fest Theme backdrop for pictures, but they won’t be providing the photos,” she said.
One tradition that will continue this year is the on-going dedication of the park memorial to late officer Sgt. Felix Romano. This will be the third year Romano will be recognized at the festival.
“Sgt. Romano was an active volunteer at our park,” said Olive. “He actually volunteered here the day before his accident.”
Romano had been umpiring a game between the sheriff’s and fire departments when, on his way home, he was killed in an auto accident on I-75.
The local Home Depot donated a new palm tree to accompany his memorial stone plaque that sits at the Recreation Center entrance.
The Fall Festival runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
For information, call 652-6002. North Park is located in back of the North Fort Myers Library at 2021 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers.