Pirate Room opens at Shell Factory
In Southwest Florida, pirates hold a special fascination for young and old.
The Shell Factory & Nature Park has just opened a special pirate-themed room in the complex located in the middle of the shoppes. It features an animatronics pirate, with a macaw, to welcome the scalawags into the den.
“We are officially calling this the ‘Pirate’s Grotto,'” said Shell Factory’s Kathy VanderJagt, who works with the many displays at the Shell Factory.
The macaw at the display will move his wings and his tail. There are also buttons you can touch to hear pirate-speak from a display.
Animatronics do play a role, but Shell Factory history itself comes into play with the display.
“We decided to group all the pirate paraphernalia together because over the years we have hosted many pirate-themed events and people never seem to lose their fascination,” said Pamela J. Cronin, Shell Factory owner. “While we were working on the displays, it became an instant photo opp for visitors.”
Visitors Alec and Samantha Smith from Minnesota thought the room was a highlight of their Florida trip.
“It’s pretty cool,” said Alec.
“I think it is very cool,” said sister Samantha.
Mom Pamela Smith also gave it “two thumbs up.”
Vander Jagt is the Shell Factory’s head retail buyer, but she said she enjoys her role in setting up interesting displays, including the complex’s Money Museum.
She said the Pirate Grotto is already popular with visitors.
Cronin also noted that the Shell Factory’s Nature Park will be holding a great event on Oct. 30 and 31 at the Nature Park.
“We’re trick or treating through the whole Nature Park,” she said. “There are 13 locations for those beauties and goblins ‘in costume’ under the age of 13.”
Look for a story about this in next week’s Neighbor.
For information on the Shell Factory, call 634-4547 or go to shellfactory.com.